Gedenknaald ter gelegenheid van het overlijden van Wilhelmina van Pruisen 1822

This print, titled "Gedenknaald ter gelegenheid van het overlijden van Wilhelmina van Pruisen," was made by A. Lutz as a memorial to honor the life of Wilhelmina of Prussia. The artwork reflects the cultural norms around mourning in the late 18th century, particularly within royal and aristocratic circles. These memorial prints served as both personal mementos and public displays of grief and remembrance. Wilhelmina, as a member of the Prussian royal family and wife of William V, Prince of Orange, held a significant position in European politics. This influenced how her death was commemorated. The figures gathered around the monument, including children, suggests a domestic intimacy contrasting with her public persona. In this image the classical imagery and idyllic landscape blend with the somber theme of mortality. Together these elements communicate a specific narrative about Wilhelmina's life, virtue, and legacy. This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of gender, power, and memory in the late 18th century.