Beschrijving van de lijkkist van koning Willem II, 1849 1849

This is a description of King Willem II's coffin, made in 1849 by an anonymous author, in the form of handwriting on paper. Note how the material of paper and ink relates to the function of the artwork. Handwriting is inherently personal, which makes it a suitable medium for describing the coffin of a king. This inscription details how the coffin was adorned with black velvet, silver parts, and laurel wreaths, indicative of the king's status and achievements. Each of these elements signifies a moment of craftsmanship and skilled labor, reflecting the complex social and economic structures of the time. We should acknowledge that the production of luxury items, like royal coffins, involves a workforce—from the velvet weavers to the silversmiths—whose labor often goes unacknowledged. It is a powerful reminder that even in objects of great honor, the story of making and materials is inseparable from social context.