Willem II hertog van Gelre onderwerpt zich aan Karel V, 1543 1823 - 1829

Philippus Velijn made this print in 1843, depicting Willem II, Duke of Guelders, surrendering to Charles V in 1543. The image reflects the 19th-century Dutch interest in its own history and the establishment of a national identity. Here, Willem II's submission symbolizes a crucial moment in the consolidation of power under Charles V, a figure who would come to represent foreign rule in the Netherlands. The print employs visual codes of power and submission, with Willem kneeling and offering his sword, while Charles V stands upright, receiving the surrender. Prints such as this served a didactic purpose, reinforcing a particular view of the past, often intertwined with contemporary political sentiments and the formation of national consciousness. Understanding the motivations behind such historical depictions requires careful consideration of the cultural and institutional contexts in which they were produced. Researching the archives of Dutch nationalism in the 19th century would allow us to understand the cultural context of this image.