Portret van Jacobus II van Engeland als kind 1894

Auguste Danse made this print of James II of England as a child using etching in 1889. At the time, there was an intense interest in historical figures and events, which reflected a desire to understand the present through the lens of the past. This etching revives an earlier portrait of a royal figure, subtly reminding viewers of the power and stability associated with monarchy. Danse was Belgian, but Britain's social and political structures were influential beyond its borders. The print’s technique, etching, was undergoing a revival at this time, with artist-printmakers seeking to elevate it to the status of painting. Institutions such as the Rijksmuseum played a crucial role in promoting historical understanding. Art historians consult period documents, political writings, and other cultural artifacts to fully understand the artwork’s meaning. In this way, art becomes a mirror reflecting the values and concerns of its time.