Portret van Frederik Hendrik, prins van Oranje 1900

This photogravure of Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, was created around 1900 by Verlagsanstalt Fr. Bruckmann, a German publishing house renowned for its high-quality art reproductions. Here, the Prince’s attire makes a strong statement about his status and role in Dutch society. His elaborate lace collar, armor, and medals are visual codes of nobility, military prowess, and political authority. Created during a time of burgeoning national identity in the Netherlands, images like this helped to solidify the image of a strong, capable leader. The Rijksmuseum's collection tells a story about the Dutch national identity. Understanding the context in which these artworks were made allows us to appreciate their enduring cultural and historical value. We can use sources such as historical documents, biographies, and studies of Dutch art and culture to learn more about it.