Intocht van Willem van Oranje te Middelburg, 1574 1853

Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben created this print depicting William of Orange's arrival in Middelburg in 1574. It's an historical scene, but it was produced much later, in the 19th century, which raises some interesting questions. The image presents William as a triumphant hero, greeted by adoring crowds. Reckleben made this in the Netherlands, a time when national identity and historical narratives were being solidified. The Dutch Golden Age was long gone. Thinkers were looking back to moments of national struggle and triumph to create a sense of shared heritage. William of Orange, a key figure in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, became a powerful symbol of Dutch independence and resilience. Visual sources like this aren't just neutral records. Reckleben's print participates in the 19th-century project of nation-building. By studying archives, political pamphlets, and even popular songs, we can understand how images like this contributed to the construction of Dutch national identity.