Wilhelmina van Pruisen, prinses van Oranje-Nassau, te paard 1780

Tethart Philip Christian Haag created this print of Wilhelmina of Prussia, Princess of Orange-Nassau, on horseback, using pen and gray ink and brush. The image presents Wilhelmina as a powerful, authoritative figure, a deliberate visual statement within the context of late 18th-century Dutch politics. The Dutch Republic was undergoing internal strife, and Wilhelmina, as the wife of Stadtholder William V, played a significant role in political events. Equestrian portraits traditionally symbolize leadership and authority. Haag leverages this tradition to bolster Wilhelmina's image. It subtly asserts her right to wield influence. Consider the historical archives and political pamphlets from that time. They are essential to understanding the nuanced power dynamics within the Dutch court. The work invites us to investigate the intersection of art, gender, and power during a period of political turbulence.