Koning Willem I ontmoet de industrieel Cockerill, 1829 1829

Jean-Louis Van Hemelryck created "Koning Willem I ontmoet de industrieel Cockerill" in 1829. It captures a pivotal moment in early 19th-century Europe, against the backdrop of burgeoning industrialization and shifting social hierarchies. The artwork depicts King William I meeting the industrialist Cockerill. This encounter symbolizes the merging of traditional power with the new economic forces of the Industrial Revolution. Notice the body language between the figures. This is not merely a meeting of equals, but of the traditional hierarchical power structure acknowledging the rising influence of industry and wealth. The artist here seems to be making a statement on the changing tides of power. What does it mean when one acknowledges another person's position or visibility, especially when it comes to status? Van Hemelryck invites us to consider how individuals and institutions adapt to changing times, all while touching upon the personal dimensions of power and recognition.