The Coronation of King William I in Königsberg in 1861 1865

Adolph Menzel painted *The Coronation of King William I in Königsberg in 1861* to commemorate a pivotal moment in Prussian history. Painted amidst rising nationalism and social change, the image depicts William I's coronation, intended to unite and inspire. Menzel, known for his meticulous realism, captures the grandeur and spectacle of the event, including the varied reactions of the crowd. But what does it mean to show all these people and not center the King? This painting isn't just a historical record. It invites reflection on the power dynamics, national identity, and the theatricality of state events. It asks us to consider who is included and excluded in the narrative of nationhood and to reflect on the emotions and experiences tied to such displays of authority. The Coronation of King William is more than just a record of a historical event; it's a complex reflection on power, identity, and the emotional connection between rulers and the ruled.