Allegorische voorstelling van de meerderjarigheid van prins Willem V, 1766 1774 - 1776

This etching by Noach van der (II) Meer, titled "Allegorische voorstelling van de meerderjarigheid van prins Willem V," is a visual representation of Prince Willem V's coming of age in 1766. The print, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a complex allegory depicting the young prince's ascension to power, with figures symbolizing various virtues, such as strength, justice, and wisdom. The composition, while intricate, emphasizes the prince's central position, surrounded by figures and symbols that represent his responsibilities and the expectations placed upon him as the future ruler. This artwork, created between 1774 and 1776, is an important document in Dutch art history, offering a glimpse into the political and social context of the time.