Allegorie met buste van Willem I, prins van Oranje en landkaart van Holland 1797 - 1836

This print was made by Philippus Velijn, sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century. It’s an allegorical image of William I, Prince of Orange, rendered in etching. At this time in the Netherlands, images of national heroes were tools in constructing a shared cultural identity. The print links William to the land of Holland through the map, and the laurel wreath presents him as a victorious leader. The arms and flags further build on this militaristic theme. In the 18th and 19th centuries, prints were relatively affordable and circulated widely, shaping public opinion and solidifying cultural values. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, played a key role in preserving and displaying such works, contributing to the national narrative. To truly understand this print, we might consult historical archives, political pamphlets, and museum records. By delving into these resources, we can better appreciate how art is both a product of and a contributor to the social and institutional contexts in which it exists.