Rouwzaal met de lijkkist en regalia van koning Willem I, 1843 1844

This anonymous print from 1843 depicts the mortuary chamber and regalia of King William I, offering a glimpse into the rituals of power and mourning in 19th-century Dutch society. The image presents a scene of somber grandeur; the king’s casket is draped in heavy fabric, surrounded by symbols of royalty and death. The skulls at the base of the candelabras serve as a stark memento mori. It invites us to reflect on the construction of identity in the face of death. Monarchies rely on spectacle to maintain their power. How much of identity is performative? Here, the transition of power is marked by ceremony. The empty coffin is a potent symbol of the individual reduced to an effigy. As you reflect on this print, consider the emotional weight of such formal displays of grief, and how they connect to broader societal values around leadership, legacy, and the transience of life.