Portrait of William II, King of the Netherlands 1839

Editor: This is Jan Adam Kruseman's "Portrait of William II, King of the Netherlands" from 1839. It's grand and regal, fitting for a king, I suppose. The dog looking up at him adds an unexpected warmth to the painting. What do you make of it? Curator: The dog, yes, is beautifully painted, so hopeful and adoring. It's there as a symbol of fidelity, I imagine, or loyalty perhaps? But there's something in William’s eyes that troubles me. Does he look as though he can be as loyal as this beautiful creature? Is there, perhaps, an uncomfortable arrogance that sits slightly uncomfortably with that animal at his side? Editor: I see what you mean about the arrogance. It’s in the posture, the confident crossing of the arms. Do you think Kruseman was trying to hint at a certain type of ruler? Curator: Perhaps, or maybe he saw it there anyway. Every portrait, you know, is a subtle negotiation between the painter and the painted. Who is in control? The painter with the brush? The person being portrayed with his own sense of self? The joy of great portraiture lies, perhaps, in that unspoken dialogue. Look at those heavy epaulettes too: wealth, power, a land, quite probably stolen, ready to be ravaged. What kind of King would *you* want to be if you could choose? Editor: I hadn’t thought of the epaulettes that way, but you're right; it is a lot of show. If I were king? Hmm, that’s a tough one! I think I’d try to rule with empathy and sustainability in mind. No ravaged lands. Curator: A queen after my own heart. And see, that's what art does! It makes us question; it makes us reflect and makes us re-imagine! This painting gives us not just a king, but an opportunity to imagine kings we might have needed and rulers, we pray, the world will embrace soon. It all stems from a single canvas... amazing!