Komst van Z.M. Koning Willem III op den Dam, bij H.D. plegtigen intogt in de hoofdstad des rijks, 12 mei 1849 1849

This print captures King William III’s ceremonial entry into Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, on May 12, 1849. Created by an anonymous artist, the print offers a glimpse into the spectacle and symbolism of royal power in the mid-19th century. Amidst a period of social and political change, this carefully staged event served to reinforce the monarchy's legitimacy. The print illustrates how power and identity are negotiated through public performance. The King’s arrival was not just a personal journey but a declaration of his role in the nation’s narrative. The artist emphasizes the grandeur of the event, but what stories are missing? Who is not represented in this triumphant display? Consider how the print invites us to reflect on the relationship between rulers and the ruled, and on the ways in which national identity is constructed and maintained.