Portret van Anna van Hannover 1752

Simon Fokke created this print of Anna van Hannover in 1752 in the Netherlands using etching. This print is a complex visual statement about royal power, rendered in a decorative style typical of the mid-18th century. The formal portrait of Anna is surrounded by cherubs and symbolic objects. A cherub with a trumpet heralds her arrival, while another carries a spear of war but also an olive branch of peace. The open book and quill suggest learning, the globe suggests exploration and empire. The shield bears a symbol of royalty. This print served a clear political purpose. Anna was the wife of William IV, the Prince of Orange, who held considerable power in the Dutch Republic. The imagery is intended to convey a sense of benevolent authority, of legitimacy and power. To understand this print fully, we can research the history of the Dutch Republic, the House of Orange, and the role of visual propaganda in the 18th century. Understanding the social and institutional context helps us interpret the meaning of the artwork.