Vers op het overlijden van Wilhelmina prinses-douairière van Oranje-Nassau, 1820 1820 - 1826

This broadside lamenting the death of Princess Wilhelmina in 1820 was printed using letterpress, a technology that allowed for the relatively quick dissemination of texts to a wide audience. The text expresses the grief felt in The Hague, referring to the princess as the widow of the unforgettable Stadtholder, Willem de Vijfde. Broadsides like this one played a significant role in shaping public sentiment in the Netherlands at the time. By framing Wilhelmina's death as a moment of national mourning, the anonymous author seeks to evoke a sense of collective identity around the House of Orange-Nassau. The piece not only reflects the social hierarchy of the time, but also participates in reinforcing it. Note the embellishments: the skulls lend a funereal air. As historians, we might consult archival records to understand who commissioned and distributed the broadside, or analyze other texts from the period to compare sentiments. The social and institutional contexts are crucial for interpreting the artwork’s meaning and role in shaping public opinion.