Stamboom van het Huis Oranje-Nassau, 1767 1767

Tobias Conrad Lotter created this print, "Stamboom van het Huis Oranje-Nassau," in 1767, tracing the genealogy of the House of Orange-Nassau. The print visualizes power through family lineage, at a time when aristocratic identity was deeply intertwined with political authority. The intricate display of coats of arms, portraits, and genealogical text, reflects the social and political structures of 18th-century Europe, where noble families played a central role in shaping nations. Lotter’s work upholds traditional aristocratic narratives by emphasizing bloodline and heritage as key elements of identity and power. Consider how the act of mapping lineage, as presented here, shapes our understanding of identity. The visual construction of family history, intertwined with political power, invites reflection on whose stories are deemed worthy of preservation, and the emotional impact of such historical narratives on individuals and communities.