Het afsterven van hare majesteit de Koningin der Nederlanden. Den 12den October 1837 Possibly 1837

This printed announcement, made in Rotterdam by T. C. Hoffers in 1837, commemorates the death of Queen Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. The stark typography, framed by a royal crown, reflects the somber tone appropriate for official mourning. Beyond the immediate announcement, this broadside offers insight into the construction of royal image and public sentiment in the 19th century. The text emphasizes the Queen’s role as a devoted wife, mother, and charitable figure, reinforcing traditional values and expectations of women, particularly within the aristocracy. The announcement serves as a form of political communication, reminding citizens of the stability and continuity of the monarchy. To fully understand the social context, we might consult period newspapers, personal letters, and other archival documents to gauge public response and compare official pronouncements with popular opinion. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.