Koningin Emma in weduwendracht 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong sketched Queen Emma in mourning dress, using graphite on paper, sometime between 1890 and 1906. This work gives us a glimpse into the private and public personas of royalty during the late 19th century. Queen Emma, dressed in the somber attire of widowhood, embodies the societal expectations placed upon women of her status. The drawing captures not only her physical appearance, but also the emotional weight of her role. Widowed in 1890, Emma was a figure of respect and admiration, carefully balancing her personal grief with her public duties. The delicate lines of the sketch convey a sense of vulnerability, contrasting with the rigid expectations of royal decorum. De Jong offers a portrayal that acknowledges both the woman and the monarch. The image prompts reflection on the intersection of personal identity and prescribed social roles, particularly for women in positions of power.