Leven van prins Willem I 1875 - 1903

This color print depicting scenes from the life of Prince William I was produced by L. de Haan in the Netherlands. Prints such as these, with short captions, were common teaching tools in the 19th century, used to instill moral lessons and nationalistic sentiments in children. Here, images work together to create a historical narrative about the life and struggles of Prince William of Orange, a key figure in Dutch history. Looking at these scenes, one can see the visual codes depicting royalty, political intrigue, and heroic acts of resistance. Understanding this image requires looking into the social and political context of the Netherlands, particularly its struggle for independence from Spanish rule in the 16th century. William of Orange played a crucial role in leading the Dutch revolt against Spanish oppression. The institutionalization of this history in schools served a clear political function. Further research into 19th-century Dutch educational materials would reveal the extent to which the image of William of Orange was used to shape a sense of national identity.