Portret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 1688 - 1724

This portrait of William III, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, was created by Jacob Gole, a Dutch printmaker active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The image is packed with meaning, conveying the power and prestige of the King. Visual codes such as the crown and scepter are combined with a sense of historical association through the Dutch and French text surrounding the portrait. This was a time of great political change in Europe, and the print reflects the social structures of its time, presenting William as a divinely appointed monarch. Gole’s print invites us to consider the role of images in constructing political authority. To fully understand this artwork, we can consult historical records, political pamphlets, and other visual representations of William III. It allows us to better understand art as deeply intertwined with social and institutional context.