Willem II, koning der Nederlanden, beschermheer der Koninklijke Nederlandsche Yachtclub 1841

Curator: I’m just drawn to the aged bronze of this piece, its sheen holds time within it. Do you feel that sense of age and story too? Editor: Indeed! This is an engraving titled "Willem II, koning der Nederlanden, beschermheer der Koninklijke Nederlandsche Yachtclub," dating back to 1841 by David van der Kellen. It offers insight into royal patronage and national pride during that era. Curator: Right, it feels less about him, really, and more about the idea of him—his kingship and the institutions around him. Editor: Precisely! Look closely, and you’ll see it features Willem II in profile, but the reverse side portrays symbols of Dutch maritime power: sailors flanking a coat of arms complete with anchor, flags and a crown. These icons communicated a message of national strength, closely tied to naval prowess and royal endorsement. Curator: Ah, that’s where the story really comes alive. Those salty seamen are holding those wind-whipped flags above what seems to be an emblem. It's all symbolic of Dutch seafaring at its finest, it makes me want to hop aboard a clipper ship. Editor: Well, consider this medal as part of a tradition of producing imagery to bolster national identity. In a time of nation-building and increasing global trade, royal figures had a powerful propaganda tool in this public celebration. It promoted Willem as a leader invested in their national identity. Curator: Propaganda, though...doesn’t that kind of reduce the artistry of it? Editor: Perhaps, but propaganda, if we can call it that, often employs artistry! And this artist certainly displays an engraving expertise; this is about controlling imagery in order to influence a wider perception of kings and countries. The medal embodies political power but made small, repeatable and durable! Curator: Fair point, that smallness is so striking when we think about the monumentality it signifies. It’s almost comical how the King and these burly sailors are trapped within the confines of this wee little disk. But I like it – the tension it creates between the massive, real world and tiny replica! Editor: A beautiful summation, because ultimately this piece asks us to consider the weight of representation. To me it is an emblem not only of the past, but of the continuing use of imagery to promote people, institutions, and even nations.