Penning vervaardigd ter nagedachtenis aan Willem II, prins van Oranje 1717

This print, made by Bernard Picart, commemorates Willem II, Prince of Orange. Picart's print would have begun with a metal plate, likely copper, meticulously engraved with fine lines to create this image. The printmaking process demanded skilled labor, reflecting a world where craftsmanship and artistry intersected with commerce. Notice how the fineness of line allows for tonal gradations, and conveys a great amount of information. The print’s imagery conveys power and status, of course. On the left, Willem is seen rising to the heavens, while on the right, his rearing horse symbolizes strength and nobility. The surrounding text, precisely inscribed, adds to the coin's authoritative presence. Consider the socio-economic context of this memorial. Printmaking allowed for wider circulation of images and ideas, reaching audiences beyond the elite. This print embodies the interplay of artistry, craft, and the broader socio-political landscape, challenging traditional hierarchies between art forms and underscoring the importance of understanding art within its historical and material context.