Penning met het portret van Willem III en de namen van Engelse koningen 1685 - 1702

This circular print depicting William III of England was made by an anonymous engraver. The print presents a profile portrait of William within a complex genealogical framework. Made during William's reign, the print reflects the political preoccupations of the time. The listing of English monarchs around the edge is not a neutral record, but a statement of legitimacy. By placing William within this historical continuum, the print bolsters his claim to the throne, especially important considering the circumstances of the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which brought him to power. It's a visual argument, using history to validate the present. To understand it fully, we'd need to delve into the dynastic struggles of late 17th-century England. Contemporary pamphlets, political tracts, and official records would shed light on the debates surrounding royal succession and the symbolic importance of lineage. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art is often deeply embedded in the political and institutional contexts of its time.