Portret van Wilhelmina, koningin der Nederlanden 1898

This is W. Mulder’s portrait of Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, rendered in monochrome with what appears to be graphite or charcoal. The composition is dominated by an oval form, within which the Queen’s profile is meticulously rendered. The artist uses delicate, almost ethereal lines to capture the soft textures of her skin and the intricate details of her coiffure. The oval itself is contained within a rectangular format that is loosely sketched, creating a tension between the defined subject and the raw, unfinished quality of the surrounding space. This interplay of form and anti-form is an interesting strategy, challenging our perceptions of completeness and representation. The Queen's gaze is directed away from us, inviting introspection, and the monochrome palette further evokes a sense of classical stoicism. The portrait’s structural elements work together to present an image that is both formal and deeply personal.