Vouwprent met allegorie op de geboorte van prins Willem Frederik, 1772 1772

Noach van der Meer II created this print, sometime around 1772, to commemorate the birth of Prince William Frederick. The print, now held in the Rijksmuseum, provides a window into the cultural and political climate of the Dutch Republic during the late 18th century. The allegory presents the newborn prince as a symbol of hope and unity for the nation. The choice to depict the prince as an allegorical figure reflects the era's inclination to imbue royalty with symbolic significance. This was done to reinforce their legitimacy and project an image of strength and stability. The use of such imagery invites us to consider the emotional investment people placed in their leaders, particularly in times of political uncertainty. It is a reminder of how symbols and narratives are constructed to shape public opinion and reinforce social hierarchies. How does the piece reflect the societal expectations placed on royal figures and the emotional ties between the monarchy and its subjects?