Gedenkblad bij het zilveren huwelijk van koning Willem I en koningin Sophia after 1864

Martinus Antonius Kuytenbrouwer Junior created this print to commemorate the silver wedding anniversary of King William the First and Queen Sophia of the Netherlands. The print presents the royal couple framed by a laurel wreath, itself surrounded by allegorical figures and vignettes of royal life and public celebrations. In the Netherlands of the 1860s, the monarchy played a crucial role in national identity. Kuytenbrouwer’s composition visually reinforces the idea of the royal family as a symbol of stability and continuity. Note the inclusion of specific dates, anchoring the couple in time and underscoring the enduring nature of their union. Also, the idealized scenes of public life emphasize the mutual affection between the monarchy and its subjects. The image is a rich source of historical information about the Netherlands. Further study of the symbols and imagery used in the print can reveal much about the social and political values of the time, and the importance of the monarchy in shaping national identity.