Portret van Willem II, koning der Nederlanden 1840 - 1871

Jean Baptiste Alfred Cornilliet created this portrait of Willem II, King of the Netherlands. Notice how the composition constructs Willem as a pillar of authority. Standing tall, the King is rigidly posed in a military uniform, against a classical column on one side and a soft open landscape on the other. This combination of the constructed and natural landscapes may represent a tension between his roles as head of state and a human being. Cornilliet’s strategic use of chiaroscuro adds depth and drama to the composition. Light and shadow play across Willem’s figure and the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic visual experience. The artist carefully arranged the elements to convey a sense of power and stature, yet the contrasting background hints at the complexities beneath the surface. The print serves not only as a historical record but also as a complex study of representation and identity.