Ruiterportret van Wilhelmina van Pruisen 1815 - 1821

This is a print of Wilhelmina of Prussia on horseback made by Antonie and Pieter van der Beek. In the late 18th century, the Dutch Republic was rife with political and social tensions between the ruling House of Orange and the Patriot movement, which sought democratic reforms. Wilhelmina was the wife of William V, the Prince of Orange. This print, therefore, embodies the politics of imagery in that era, conveying power and authority. The equestrian portrait had long been associated with royalty and military leadership, think of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The choice to depict Wilhelmina in this way was a conscious effort to project strength and assert the legitimacy of the House of Orange amid growing opposition. By examining historical documents, political pamphlets, and other visual representations from the period, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, power, and social change in the Dutch Republic.