Portret van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden 1839

Michel Mourot created this print of Willem III, King of the Netherlands, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. The image is a lithograph, a relatively new and affordable medium at the time, that allowed for wider distribution of royal portraiture. Looking at the image, we see Willem III in military attire, complete with ornate epaulettes and a high collar. The portrait is designed to convey authority and nobility, visually reinforcing the power of the monarchy during a period of significant social and political change in Europe. The Netherlands, having emerged from French rule, was in the process of solidifying its national identity and constitutional monarchy. To understand the full impact of this print, we might consider the role of the Rijksmuseum itself, established to showcase Dutch art and history, thereby playing a part in constructing a national narrative. The archives of the Royal House, period newspapers, and political pamphlets can help us understand how images like these were used to cultivate public opinion and legitimize the monarchy. Art history, at its best, is a form of social history.