De koning komt 1881

"De Koning Komt" or "The King is Coming" is a print made by De Ruyter and Meijer, with an unknown date of production. Its title raises questions about the very public role of art. This sequence of domestic scenes creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references typical of its time. Judging by its style and language, it probably originates from the Netherlands in the late 19th century. The work seems to allude to the idea of impending royalty, perhaps commenting on the social structure of its time. Is it progressive, hinting at social change, or conservative, reinforcing existing hierarchies? To truly understand the meaning behind this image, the historian in us must explore period sources, political documents, and popular culture. In the end, we see that its meaning is contingent on social and institutional context.