Hare Majesteit / Frederica Louisa / Wilhelmina, / Koningin der Nederlanden 1831 - 1854

This print depicts Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, and was made by Jan Oortman Sr in Amsterdam. Images like this offer insights into the construction of royal power and the institutional apparatus behind it. Here, the visual codes are clear: Wilhelmina stands regally, adorned with royal symbols, while a young girl, presumably a princess, gestures respectfully towards her. The scene is framed by wreaths and military paraphernalia, suggestive of power and victory. The Dutch coat of arms features the motto "Je Maintiendrai," signaling the family's resolve. To understand this print better, we need to explore the social and political context of the Netherlands at the time. What role did the monarchy play? How did this image function within the propaganda strategies of the Dutch Royal Family? Luckily, historians can access a range of resources, from royal archives to newspaper articles, to unpack the meaning of this image within its specific historical and institutional moment.