Inhaling van de prins van Oranje, 1787 1787

Editor: We are looking at "Inhaling van de prins van Oranje, 1787" (Arrival of the Prince of Orange, 1787) by Mathias de Sallieth. It’s an etching, so the lines are very crisp and precise. What strikes me is the dynamism of the crowd pulling the Prince's carriage, it almost feels a little chaotic! What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's fascinating, isn’t it? At first glance, it looks like a simple historical record, but there’s a definite buzz. Think about what it *felt* like in 1787. Europe on the brink! That little dog darting in front, to me it is so alive, like it happened yesterday. Sallieth captures that feeling wonderfully through the energy of the pulling crowd, and even in the little faces peering from the windows. Do you notice how everyone is pressed together in the window, not caring about social norms for a moment? Editor: I see it now! Everyone's cramped into the window frame. It adds to the feeling of celebration... and perhaps tension? Curator: Precisely! Celebratory tension. Sallieth does that brilliantly. He knew his audience would have strong feelings about this particular prince, or even be a citizen pulling the rope! Do you feel this engraving can capture that feeling today, even when devoid of context? Editor: I think so, because that raw emotion of that instant is visible in every element, from the posture of the dog to the look in the faces peering out of the windows. Thank you! Curator: Thank you for that reflection - a new look can remind me of forgotten feelings as well.