Portret van Willem II, prins van Oranje, en Maria Henrietta Stuart 1847 - 1932

This engraving by William Unger depicts Willem II, Prince of Orange, and Maria Henrietta Stuart. The act of holding hands, a central motif here, speaks volumes. Consider how this simple gesture echoes through history, from ancient Roman depictions of marital concordia, to the clasped hands on funerary monuments symbolizing farewell and connection to loved ones. In this image, however, it speaks of diplomatic alliance as much as affection. Arranged marriages, particularly among royalty, were about securing power and ensuring succession. Yet, the human element persists. Our subconscious recognizes the vulnerability and trust inherent in this intimate contact. The slight awkwardness of the pose, the youth of the subjects, all hint at the complex emotions underlying this union. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the grand theatre of history, individual feelings find a way to surface, subtly shifting the narrative of power and duty. This symbol has resurfaced in many contexts with changing meanings through history.