Erepoort voor de Ferdinand Bolstraat ter gelegenheid van de zeventigste verjaardag van koning Willem III, Amsterdam, april 1887 1887

This photograph by Gustaaf Oosterhuis, taken in Amsterdam in April 1887, shows an elaborate decorated archway erected on Ferdinand Bolstraat. It commemorates the seventieth birthday of King Willem III. The image encapsulates the Dutch monarchy's attempt to cultivate a sense of national unity and popular support during a period of significant social and political change. The arch itself, adorned with greenery and flags, visually asserts a connection between the monarchy and the everyday life of the city. This kind of monumental public art served to reinforce the authority and legitimacy of the ruling house. To fully understand this image, we can research the history of the Dutch monarchy in the late 19th century. This includes the social and political dynamics of the time, and the specific institutions responsible for shaping public opinion.