Portret van prinses Wilhelmina met haar pony 1888

This is a portrait of Princess Wilhelmina with her pony, made by Kameke, though the date of creation is unknown. Portraits of children were incredibly popular during the late 19th century. Wilhelmina, the only child of King William III, became queen at the young age of 10. This image captures a very young Wilhelmina, likely around the age of six or seven. She stands stiffly next to her pony, dressed in a highly structured and ornate plaid dress with a large, flowered hat. In this photograph, Wilhelmina is depicted in clothing that mirrors adult fashions, indicating the weight of the crown she would eventually wear. This image raises questions about the loss of innocence. How does one balance the need for personal freedom with the demands of royal responsibility? It evokes a feeling of melancholy, an uneasy blending of childhood innocence with the looming responsibilities of power. The photograph serves not only as a personal memento but also as a carefully constructed representation of royal identity.