Oranje-lint met wapen van Willem V c. 1750 - 1799

This woven ribbon with the coat of arms of Willem V was likely produced in the Netherlands, though its date and maker remain unknown. Objects like these served an important public role in visualizing and disseminating power. The prominent display of heraldic symbols - like the lions, crown, and family crest of the House of Orange - are visual cues that would have resonated deeply with contemporaries. Consider the cultural and political context of its time. Willem V held the office of Stadtholder, a position that was increasingly contested as calls for democratic reform grew louder. Ribbons such as this can be seen as instruments in the politics of imagery, bolstering a sense of loyalty and authority. As historians, our appreciation of this artifact goes beyond its surface aesthetics. By exploring archives, political pamphlets, and other historical sources, we can begin to understand the complex social dynamics and institutional forces that shaped its creation and reception. The meaning of this art object is contingent on its historical context.