Droom van koning Willem I, 1830 1830 - 1831

"Droom van koning Willem I" is a satirical cartoon from 1830-1831, depicting King William I of the Netherlands asleep in his bed. The King is dreaming of soldiers, symbolized by the figure standing before him and the cloud filled with figures in the background. This anonymous artwork, part of the Rijksmuseum collection, captures the political climate of the time, highlighting the King's desire for a strong military. The caption translates to "May the Belgians form a beautiful army to come and disarm me." The artwork is a testament to the power of satire in political discourse and offers a glimpse into the complexities of Dutch society in the early 19th century.