Portret van Wilhelmina, koningin der Nederlanden, in rouwkleding Possibly 1891 - 1893

Adolphe Zimmermans captured this image of Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, in mourning attire, likely towards the end of the 19th century. This photograph reflects a very specific set of cultural codes. It was important to make a formal declaration of grief in the Victorian era; mourning dress became popular among members of the royal family in Europe to show respect for the dead and reassure the public about the stability of the monarchy. The queen’s somber attire speaks to the personal and political dimensions of grief and mourning. It was considered the duty of Royal women to model proper conduct. To understand the social implications of this image, we need to understand more about the history of the Dutch monarchy in the 19th century. What was the impact of photography on social class and politics? By examining historical sources and the social context in which this photograph was made, we can gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.