Willem III en Maria II varen in de koninklijke galei van Whitehall naar Westminster Abbey, 1689 1689

This etching by Pieter Pickaert shows William III and Mary II traveling by royal barge from Whitehall to Westminster Abbey in 1689. It encapsulates the socio-political climate of England following the Glorious Revolution. The image creates meaning through its depiction of power and authority. The royal barge, adorned with flags and a canopy, symbolizes the grandeur of the monarchy. The journey on the Thames, a vital artery of London, connects the centers of political and religious power, Whitehall and Westminster Abbey. This procession served to reinforce the legitimacy of William and Mary's reign. Pickaert's print, produced shortly after the event, served as a form of propaganda. Historical records, such as pamphlets and official accounts, help us to decode this image, revealing its role in shaping public perception and solidifying the new monarchs' position. Art becomes a tool, reflecting and reinforcing the prevailing social and institutional order.