Troonzetel van koningin Emma, gebruikt bij de inhuldiging van Wilhelmina 1898

Curator: Here we have the throne used by Queen Emma during the inauguration of Wilhelmina in 1898, attributed to H.F. Jansen. Notice the rich interplay of materials—the dark wood provides a robust frame for the deep burgundy textile, elaborately trimmed. Editor: Oh, it's certainly got presence. I'm immediately struck by how, despite its clear purpose—exuding authority and tradition—there's something almost cozy about it. The plush fabric, all that fringe… like a really, really fancy grandmother's favorite chair. Curator: Indeed. One cannot overlook the meticulous construction, either. Observe the intricate carving on the wooden frame, flowing seamlessly into the padded armrests, and the delicate golden trim highlighting every edge. The symmetry and verticality serve to amplify its regal bearing. Editor: True. But there's something else happening, I think. The velvet—such a tactile fabric—contrasts brilliantly with the hardness of the carved wood. And it gives off this...I don’t know, like the memory of being touched or used. A lingering of power and vulnerability intertwined. Curator: That interplay of textures and materials definitely adds to the symbolic weight of the object. The gold accents—though subtle—operate as a visual cue towards the wealth and status inherent in the throne's function, don’t you agree? Editor: Absolutely. It screams wealth, but in a wonderfully restrained, late 19th-century way. There is such exquisite balance between opulence and decorum. It’s interesting, actually, it's both intimate and intimidating at the same time. Curator: It encapsulates a specific historical moment, doesn’t it? The Dutch monarchy poised on the cusp of a new century, embodying tradition, but with an eye firmly fixed on the future. Editor: Exactly. Seeing this piece—its form, its history, the very space it occupies—lets your imagination do some work. Almost like taking you on a silent trip in time. A deeply considered stage set, wouldn’t you agree? Curator: It is, most assuredly, a significant example of how material culture informs and reflects not just taste, but entire societal structures. Editor: Well said! And maybe the invitation to do something simple—sit—is what gives it its enduring appeal and magic.