Portret van Willem I, prins van Oranje c. 1833

Joannes Willem Vos created this print of Willem I, Prince of Orange, in the Netherlands during the first half of the 19th century. It presents a formal image of a foundational figure in Dutch history. The image's meaning stems from the visual codes it employs, referencing the historical associations of Willem I. The choice of representing him in this way, during a time of nation-building in the Netherlands, speaks volumes about the social and political functions of art. Was the artist trying to critique the institutions of his time, or endorse them? To fully understand this print, we can consider the period in which it was made, and the renewed interest in Dutch history and national identity. Through meticulous research into the artistic and institutional contexts, we uncover the fascinating narratives embedded in this work.