Portret van koningin Wilhelmina 1898 - 1900

This portrait of Queen Wilhelmina, created by B. v.d. Heuvel & Co., presents us with an intriguing profile encapsulated within an oval frame. The profile, a convention dating back to ancient coinage and royal portraiture, immediately evokes notions of power and authority. This pose, popularized by Roman emperors on coins, reappears throughout history, signifying leadership and control. Consider, for instance, its echoes in Renaissance medals or Neoclassical cameos. But here, the profile is softened, almost idealized, perhaps reflecting a desire to humanize the monarch. This slight adaptation speaks to the evolving relationship between ruler and ruled. The oval frame itself, a symbol of perfection and containment, further emphasizes the queen's status. It is as though she is a precious jewel, set apart from the everyday world. We see the power of symbols to transcend time, continuously reshaped by the collective desires and anxieties of each era. It is a dance of history, where motifs echo and transform, revealing the enduring quest for meaning and identity.