Wapen van Willem IV, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1733 - 1799

This anonymous print depicts the coat of arms of Willem IV, Prince of Orange-Nassau. Heraldry, like this image, visually represents status and lineage, encoding social hierarchies within its symbols. Made in the Netherlands, the coat of arms is supported by crowned lions, symbols of strength and nobility. Around the shield, the motto of the Order of the Garter, "Honi soit qui mal y pense," reflects the close ties between the Dutch and British royalty. The symbols are a window into the social and political structures of the time. The piece demonstrates how power was maintained and communicated through visual codes, which could be used to shape and reinforce social norms. To truly understand this print, we need to turn to historical records, genealogical charts, and studies of Dutch society in the 18th century. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.