Lijkstatie van wijlen Z.K.H. den prins van Oranje 17 Juli 1884 1884

This print, made by an anonymous artist in 1884, depicts the funeral procession of the Prince of Orange on July 17th of that year. The highly detailed drawing shows the cortege of the late Prince, and the scale of the depiction is an indicator of the power and authority of the Dutch Royal Family. In the late 19th century, images of royal life were carefully controlled, and this piece suggests that the Oranje family was a focal point for Dutch identity. The orderly fashion in which the Prince's funeral is depicted is a symbol of power, while the somber mood reflects the nation's respect for their rulers. To better understand the significance of this print, we can look to newspaper articles, diary entries, and other documentary sources that shed light on how royal figures were viewed at this time. The social and institutional context in which art is made plays a crucial role in shaping its meaning.