Portret van prinses Wilhelmina 1883 - 1884

This is a lithograph portrait of Princess Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, created by C. Hautrive. Images like this were tools in constructing Wilhelmina's public persona, carefully crafting an image of royal power and feminine virtue. Consider the weight of expectation placed on Wilhelmina. As the only child of King William III, she was destined to inherit the throne. The pressure to maintain the monarchy rested solely on her young shoulders. We see her here as a child, yet the trappings of royalty – the dress, the jewelry, and the rose – mark her as different, set apart by destiny and birthright. Note that the artist published this lithograph in Brussels, possibly to circulate it among an international audience. The portrait speaks to the historical moment when gender roles were being renegotiated. Wilhelmina became a symbol of national unity and female strength, embodying the hopes and anxieties of a nation on the cusp of modernity. This portrait captures a pivotal moment in Dutch history, reflecting the complex interplay between identity, power, and representation.