Standbeeld van Willem I aan het Noordeinde in Den Haag 1860 - 1885

Pieter Oosterhuis created this stereograph of the Willem I statue at Noordeinde in The Hague. The composition presents a symmetrical alignment of the statue against a backdrop of gothic architecture, sharply bisected by the photographic frame. This axial symmetry evokes a sense of formal order and hierarchical structure, reflecting the statue's role as a monumental symbol of power and authority. The use of stereography invites a deeper reading into the structural elements of photographic representation, offering not just a two-dimensional image, but an illusion of depth that plays with perception. The statue's rigid pose and elevated position above the street suggests a deliberate attempt to frame Willem I as a leader set apart from the everyday life of the city. This separation is further emphasized by the two figures positioned below the statue who appear like subjects in the presence of royalty, underscoring the formal dynamics of power and representation. The formal choice of stereography can also be seen as a reflection of the period's fascination with capturing and archiving reality, adding another layer to our reading of power and historical memory.