Borstbeeld van koningin Wilhelmina (1880-1962) 1898

This is a marble bust of Queen Wilhelmina, made around 1880 by Bart van Hove. Wilhelmina ascended to the throne at the young age of 10, so this sculpture captures her in the delicate transition between girlhood and the weighty expectations of monarchy. Consider the material: marble, historically associated with power and permanence, elevates Wilhelmina. Yet, her youthful features complicate this representation, and her gaze, though forward, lacks the commanding presence often seen in portraits of rulers. Van Hove walks a tightrope, portraying her as both a symbol of national continuity, and as a child. What does it mean to represent a young girl in the trappings of power? The sculpture invites us to reflect on the burdens placed upon her, and the gendered expectations of leadership, especially during a time of shifting social and political landscapes.