Zegenwens op het huwelijk van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen, 1767 1767

This broadside poem by Anna Snel, printed in Zwolle in 1767, celebrates the marriage of Willem V and Wilhelmina of Prussia. The poem operates within the cultural context of 18th-century Dutch society, where the House of Orange-Nassau held significant political power. These celebratory verses reflect societal expectations around marriage and dynastic alliances. Snel uses the occasion of the marriage to offer a "Zegenwens," or blessing, which speaks to the intertwining of personal joy with national identity. She skillfully weaves together themes of love, duty, and divine favor. Through her writing, Snel enters a public discourse, using her voice to not only honor the couple but also to reflect on the well-being of the Netherlands. Snel's poem exemplifies how women, even without formal political power, could engage with and shape public opinion through literary expression. The emotional weight of the poem lies in its aspiration for a harmonious union that mirrors and reinforces the stability of the state.