Prinses van Oranje gevangen te Goejanverwellesluis, 1787 1787

This etching, made in 1787 by an anonymous artist, depicts the Princess of Orange held up at Goejanverwellesluis. It offers insight into the political tensions of the Dutch Republic in the late 18th century. The image captures the moment Wilhelmina of Prussia was detained by Patriot militia, an event that fueled the ongoing power struggle between the Orangists and the Patriots. The visual codes of the print, from the Princess’s refined attire to the militiamen’s confrontational postures, highlight the clash between the old order and the emerging revolutionary sentiment. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects a society deeply divided by political ideology and class. The event depicted here served as a catalyst for Prussian intervention, ultimately restoring the power of the House of Orange. Historical documents, pamphlets, and other visual representations of the time can help us to unpack the complexities of this period. The role of historians is to analyze these sources, to understand how this image both reflects and shapes the social and political context in which it was produced.