Allegorie op de aanvaarding van het stadhouderschap door prins Willem V, 1766 1766

This 1766 engraving by Antoine P. Duboulois is an allegorical representation of Prince William V's acceptance of the Stadtholdership. The composition is visually dense, featuring numerous figures arranged on multiple levels. In the upper portion, angels and figures representing the Dutch provinces present the Prince with a crown and a scepter, signifying his official ascension. The lower portion depicts various personifications of the Seven United Provinces, surrendering their power to the Prince. The central figure of Prince William V stands prominently in the middle ground, uniting the upper and lower sections of the engraving. This complex composition uses symbolism to commemorate a significant event in Dutch history, and its detailed imagery offers valuable insights into the political and social climate of the time.