Militaire Willemsorde, ridder after 1832

This is an enameled silver Military Order of William, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It's a reminder of the intricate interplay between power, society, and artistic production. The Order dates back to 1815, established by King William I shortly after the Netherlands gained independence. It embodies the social conditions of a nation rebuilding itself after the Napoleonic era, seeking to establish a new national identity, one of the many roles of art. Awarded for acts of bravery, leadership, and loyalty, the order reinforced the values that the monarchy sought to promote, with its motto “For bravery, leadership, loyalty” inscribed on the medal itself. The crown on top is an obvious assertion of power. As an object displayed in a museum, we must remember that the meaning of this order is contingent on its social and institutional context. Looking into archives, official records, and other historical documents can help us understand the Military Order of William and its function in Dutch society.