De prins van Oranje als speeltje voor prinses Charlotte, 1814 Possibly 1814 - 1816

Editor: So, this is "The Prince of Orange as a Plaything for Princess Charlotte," likely from around 1814 to 1816, by George Cruikshank. It’s a print at the Rijksmuseum. It feels satirical, with the Princess holding the Prince like a puppet. What’s your take on it? Curator: Oh, it’s deliciously barbed, isn’t it? For me, this image speaks volumes about power dynamics, couched in what seems like innocent play. Consider the time – the Dutch monarchy was newly restored, with considerable British influence. Editor: So, is the Princess meant to represent Britain’s influence over the Netherlands? Curator: Precisely! Notice how she holds the Prince on a string, like a marionette, she looks pleased, but he does not. And that grand theatrical backdrop – isn't there something rather… staged about the whole affair? Does this image offer clues about British perceptions of Dutch agency? Editor: It’s pretty savage actually, when you frame it that way. I had just viewed this artwork as pretty and historical but, seeing how Britain controlled Netherlands back then adds to its understanding! Thanks Curator: You know, satire thrives on discomfort, and Cruikshank certainly delivers. Images like these – what are they for, what do they show of our history – are incredibly revealing of our anxieties and assumptions of people throughout our shared human experience. Isn't that something?