Ruiterportret van Wilhelmina van Pruisen 1767 - 1787

This print, by A. Bouwens, depicts Wilhelmina of Prussia on horseback and is held in the Rijksmuseum. The image presents us with a clear statement about power, gender and national identity in the Netherlands. Made to celebrate Wilhelmina, the image employs visual codes to convey authority. The horse is a traditional symbol of power and status, and Wilhelmina's confident pose underscores her noble position, alluding to leadership. But it also suggests a progressive ideal, presenting a woman taking on a traditionally masculine role. Produced within a specific socio-political context, Wilhelmina of Prussia was the wife of Prince William V of Orange. This portrait might reflect the rising prominence of women in political discourse at the time. To fully understand this print, we can consult primary documents, political pamphlets, and other visual materials to better understand the social and political climate of the time. Through this we might gain a clearer sense of the public role of art, the politics of imagery, and the social conditions that shaped its production.