Dimensions: length 32.7 cm, width 20.1 cm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is a general report by King William III, written on August 18, 1836. As a member of the House of Orange-Nassau, William's identity was deeply intertwined with the political and social structures of the Netherlands. The report offers a glimpse into the workings of the military, during a time of relative peace in Europe, yet only a few years after Belgium had declared independence from the Netherlands. It's important to remember that military reports like this weren't just about troop movements and logistics. They were also about maintaining power, reinforcing social hierarchies, and asserting national identity. Given William's position as King, this document illustrates the intersection of power, privilege, and masculinity in 19th-century European society. It is a small window into the world of a monarch, a world where the personal and the political were inseparable.
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