Het vertrek van Willem V naar Engeland, 18 januari 1795 1795 - 1813

Dirk Langendijk captured the departure of Willem V to England on January 18, 1795, in this evocative drawing. Observe Willem V's outstretched hand. This gesture, seemingly simple, echoes through centuries of art. Think of classical depictions of emperors offering clemency, or even Christ extending his hand in blessing. The open hand becomes a vessel of power, a conduit for emotion. Yet here, the gesture is tinged with melancholy, an acknowledgment of lost authority. The act of departure itself speaks volumes. Exile is a recurring motif in art, from Ovid's banishment to countless portrayals of the flight from Egypt. It embodies themes of loss, displacement, and the search for a new beginning. Langendijk masterfully conveys the emotional weight of this historical moment, tapping into our collective memory of leaders and the poignant symbol of farewell.