Willem Frederik, prins van Oranje-Nassau, souverein vorst 1813

This is a small, anonymous portrait of Willem Frederik, Prince of Orange-Nassau. This piece, whose exact date is unknown, is made of metal and is just a few centimeters in size. It provides us with a tangible connection to the figure of Willem Frederik, who later became King William I of the Netherlands. His profile is framed by the word 'ORANJE', topped by a crown. Medals like these were often produced to commemorate significant figures or events, and were worn as symbols of allegiance or remembrance. Think about what it meant to wear such an image. What kind of statement was it making? How did it feel to carry this small, crowned figure close to your body? The circulation of these images played a role in constructing and disseminating ideas about nationhood and belonging. They shaped the narrative around leadership and national identity.