De aankomst van Z.M. den Koning met hoogstdeszelfs stoomjagt De Leeuw, aan het Katerveer, op den 23.en julij 1846 1846

Curator: Looking at this etching, it gives a rather celebratory vibe. Editor: Yes, this is “The Arrival of His Majesty the King with His Steam Yacht De Leeuw, at the Katerveer, on the 23rd of July 1846” by Samuel Hendrik Serné. An engraving, drawing and etching all in one. Curator: Etching, engraving and drawing, such painstaking work to render this scene, what were the labor conditions? And, of course, access to tools like metal plates for etching would have been very specific. Editor: That's true. We are seeing more than just an image of a King's arrival, but an infrastructure of materials, skilled artisans and of course a hierarchy reflecting class and power structures that existed in Dutch society at the time. I wonder about those blurred faces and what they represented within the power structure of that moment in history. Curator: Absolutely, one has to examine who has the means to make and who becomes the subject for consumption. But look at how the details—the boat design and textures in the landscape were achieved. It speaks to very precise crafting. This moment was documented using very high means for the era. Editor: Also, consider how the king's arrival is presented— it is a public event intended to show off Dutch royalty and state power to the public but the figures have all individuality removed. Curator: A very important distinction to consider, to be sure. So many unseen labor inputs go into one finished product, yet they all seemingly disappear so that our attention stays squarely on one focal point: royalty! Editor: It reminds us of the performance and production of power. I do think, overall, it encapsulates the political spectacle and the skilled labour inherent in making such works. Curator: Agreed, that delicate etching has allowed us to reveal layer after layer of context and nuance. Editor: Hopefully providing everyone with a better, well rounded, understanding of its historical and material impact.