Drie viooltjes met silhouetportretten van Willem V, prins van Oranje-Nassau, Wilhelmina van Pruisen en Frederik Willem II, koning van Pruisen 1787 - 1789

This watercolor drawing shows three violets tied with a blue ribbon, made by an anonymous artist. While seemingly a simple floral arrangement, this work subtly incorporates silhouette portraits of prominent figures: Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, his wife Wilhelmina of Prussia, and her brother, King Frederick William II of Prussia. During the late 18th century, the House of Orange faced increasing political instability, eventually leading to exile. This piece reflects the intertwined nature of personal identity and political power, especially for women like Wilhelmina, whose identity was closely linked to her husband's position. The violets, often symbols of modesty and remembrance, here become veiled representations of royal figures, their profiles embedded within the petals. The choice of delicate watercolors and the intimate scale of the work suggest a sense of fragility and the precariousness of power. Through its delicate imagery, the artwork quietly speaks to the emotional undercurrents of a society on the brink of change.