Aankomst van de prins te Rotterdam, 1785 1785

This etching, titled "Arrival of the Prince in Rotterdam," was created in 1785 by an anonymous artist. It depicts Prince William V of Orange’s arrival in Rotterdam. The image offers insight into the power dynamics of the late 18th century. The sheer number of people gathered to witness the Prince’s arrival speaks volumes about the socio-political landscape of the time, and the perceived importance of the House of Orange. Note the uniformity of the crowd, and ask yourself who is included and excluded from this display of civic pride? What does it mean to depict a ruler in this way? The scene evokes both the grandeur of the event and the implicit social hierarchies of the time. This image serves as a reminder of how art can function as a historical record. It also speaks to how power is performed and perceived in society.