Huwelijk van Willem V, prins van Oranje-Nassau, met Wilhelmina van Pruisen te Berlijn op 4 oktober 1767 1767 - 1769

This engraving, made by an anonymous artist, depicts the wedding of William V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, to Wilhelmina of Prussia in Berlin on October 4, 1767. In the late 18th century, dynastic marriages were pivotal in solidifying alliances and maintaining the balance of power among European states. Here, the grandeur of the setting, with its ornate chandeliers and formally dressed attendees, underscores the political significance of the union. The marriage between the Dutch Prince and Prussian Princess symbolized a strategic alliance between the House of Orange and the Kingdom of Prussia, reflecting the intricate web of political relationships that defined the era. To fully understand this image, one must consult historical records: diplomatic correspondence, family genealogies, and accounts of court life. By examining such sources, we can interpret the art not just as a record of an event, but as a product of complex social and institutional forces.