Utrechtse maskerade, plaat e: het hof, 1856 1856

This anonymous print, "Utrechtse maskerade, plaat e: het hof," was created in 1856 and illustrates a procession featuring William the First’s court. It invites us to consider the relationship between spectacle, power, and identity in the 19th century Netherlands. The print offers a glimpse into the past, reflecting the ongoing construction of Dutch national identity. Masquerades and public displays were common ways to solidify social bonds and assert authority. The artist portrays the elite by emphasizing their attire, conveying a sense of grandeur. In this context, the visual representation of power can also be understood as a negotiation of gender and class norms. While women are present in the carriage, their roles are circumscribed. The men are on horseback, asserting both political and social dominance. Consider how the very act of depicting this scene helps to cement particular notions of Dutch heritage. It asks us to reflect on who is included and who is excluded from these performances of national identity.