Standbeeld van Willem van Oranje op het Plein, Den Haag 1859 - 1865

Pieter Oosterhuis made this photograph of the statue of William of Orange on Plein square in The Hague. The statue commemorates William, Prince of Orange, a key figure in the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule. Taken in the 19th century, this photograph serves as a visual marker of Dutch national identity. The statue itself, erected in 1848, became a focal point for patriotic sentiment, especially during a period of nation-building and the assertion of Dutch independence. The choice of location, Plein square, near the Binnenhof, the seat of Dutch parliament, reinforces the statue's connection to Dutch political history and national pride. Photographs like this one played a crucial role in disseminating images of national symbols. These photographs helped shape public perception and collective memory. By studying photographs like this, we can uncover the complex interplay between art, politics, and national identity in 19th-century Netherlands. Resources in archives and libraries will help with this research.