Satirical Print of William v, Half-soldier, Half-Bacchus 1786

This satirical print from 1786, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts William V, the Stadholder of the Dutch Republic, as a half-soldier, half-Bacchus figure. The artwork, attributed to an anonymous artist, employs a humorous and biting visual language to critique William V’s leadership. Dressed in a military uniform, he holds a glass of wine, representing his perceived indulgence and lack of military prowess. The juxtaposition of his soldierly attire with his bare chest and a garland of ivy symbolizes a decadent ruler more concerned with pleasure than duty. This piece is a powerful example of 18th-century Dutch political satire, reflecting public dissatisfaction with William V’s reign.