Allegory of the Farewell of William III from Amalia van Solms following the transfer of Regency to the States General 1661

Theodoor van Thulden created this painting titled *Allegory of the Farewell of William III from Amalia van Solms following the transfer of Regency to the States General*. Painted during a period of significant political transition in the Dutch Republic, this piece reflects the complex power dynamics of the 17th century. At its center is Amalia van Solms, a woman of immense influence, whose regency is ending. Van Thulden frames her departure not merely as a political event, but as a deeply personal moment of farewell. The allegory invites us to consider the roles women played in shaping political landscapes, often behind the scenes. It subtly hints at the emotional weight of leadership transitions, and asks us to reflect on the human stories that are woven into the grand narratives of history.