Koning Willem I 1815

This is a plaster bust of King William I, created by Gilles-Lambert Godecharle. The material is key here: plaster allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of likenesses. The bust’s surface is smooth, yet with visible signs of the artist’s hand. Godecharle modeled the features with precision, capturing the King's likeness, the texture of his hair, and the details of his garment. Plaster is easily cast and carved. This made it suitable for creating multiples, and spreading the King’s image to a wider audience. The choice of plaster reflects a shift in sculptural practice. While marble or bronze were associated with permanence and high status, plaster democratized portraiture. The use of plaster also speaks to broader issues of production and consumption, as plaster casts could be made more quickly and cheaply than sculptures in other materials, which reflects the social and economic context of the time. The inherent qualities of the material, along with the methods of production, give it cultural meaning, inviting us to reconsider the boundaries between fine art and craft.