Portret van koningin Wilhelmina en koningin Emma 1897

This is a mounted albumen print depicting Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Emma by Henri de Louw, held at the Rijksmuseum. The sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, highlighting the subjects and their elaborate gowns. De Louw uses formal portraiture conventions to reinforce ideas of power and lineage. Wilhelmina stands tall, a visual representation of her future role, whilst Emma is seated, grounding Wilhelmina, with this juxtaposition signifying her supporting influence. The linear quality of the dresses and the rigid posture of both figures suggests a constrained formality, typical of royal portraiture. The composition is divided, each figure occupying a defined space yet unified by the similar tonal range and shared gaze. This portrait operates within a structured system of signs, where each element contributes to an understanding of royalty and its representation. The textures of the fabrics, the careful arrangement of the figures, and the soft focus all work together to create an image that speaks of authority, but also maternal care.