Koningin Emma met prinses Wilhelmina bij een militaire oefening op de Kempenbergerheide, 1893 Possibly 1893 - 1894

Jan Hoynck van Papendrecht made this drawing of Queen Emma with Princess Wilhelmina at a military exercise on the Kempenbergerheide in 1893. The Netherlands in the late 19th century was a constitutional monarchy, still defining its role on the European stage. This image creates meaning through several visual codes. The military setting and the presence of the Dutch flag evoke patriotism and national pride. The location on the Kempenbergerheide connects the monarchy to the Dutch landscape. Queen Emma and Princess Wilhelmina are positioned at the center, reinforcing their symbolic importance. The drawing offers insight into the social structures of its time. The monarchy's connection to the military underscores the importance of national defense and the role of the royal family in supporting it. Archival research into the Royal House and the history of the Dutch military could reveal more about the work's purpose. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can better appreciate the drawing's historical significance.