Erepoorten bij de intocht van Willem V te Veere (Nr. II), 1766 1766 - 1767

This print of an archway, made by Gerard Sibelius in 1766, commemorates the arrival of Willem V in Veere, Netherlands. The primary material is ink on paper, through a process of engraving, and the stark contrast between the ink and the paper creates a visual clarity that emphasizes the architectural details of the archway. Engraving demands precision, and we see this in the fine lines and intricate patterns which capture not just form but also texture. Look at the sculpted figures, the botanical ornamentation, and the Latin inscription; these are all carefully rendered, which gives the print a sense of depth and grandeur. Prints like this were not only artistic expressions, but were also bound up with social and political life. They were a means of disseminating images of power and celebration to a broader audience. The print, therefore, becomes a way of involving the public in the spectacle of leadership, and this is how the image becomes part of a larger discussion about Dutch identity.