Portret van Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina (prinses van Oranje-Nassau) 1790 - 1851

This is a portrait of Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina, Princess of Orange-Nassau, made by Willem van Senus. It’s a print – likely an engraving or etching – a process that involves painstakingly incising an image into a metal plate. The very nature of this technique suggests a world before photography. Look closely, and you'll see the extraordinary degree of detail that can be achieved. The delicate rendering of the princess's features, the subtle gradations of light and shadow, and the intricate patterns of her hair and clothing, all speak to the skill of the artist. But consider also the social context. Printmaking allowed images to be reproduced and disseminated widely. This portrait was, in effect, an early form of mass media, designed to project an image of royal power and prestige. It is a reminder that even seemingly straightforward images can be deeply embedded in social and economic relations, and that the very act of making is always a form of cultural production.