Medallion with the portrait of William I, king of the Netherlands c. 1825 - 1849

This is a medallion featuring William I, King of the Netherlands, crafted by Doornik. The portrait is small, yet it invokes powerful questions about leadership and legacy. Medallions like this one often served to immortalize figures of authority, but they also functioned as political tools. How does this small portrait engage with the grand narratives of nationhood and power? What does it mean to represent a king in such an intimate format? Portraits of rulers often reinforce established societal hierarchies. William’s military attire symbolizes power and authority. The delicacy and precision of the portrait draw us into the world of 19th century European aristocracy. While this medallion may seem like a straightforward depiction of a king, consider what stories might be missing. Who isn't represented here? How did his reign impact different social classes and what alternative narratives might exist beyond the official record?