Koning Willem III, prins Hendrik en kroonprins Willem, tijdens een bijeenkomst van de Weerbaarheidskorpsen bij De Bilt c. 1860 - 1875

This photoprint by Willem Cornelis van Dijk captures King Willem III, Prince Hendrik, and Crown Prince Willem at a gathering of the Weerbaarheidskorpsen near De Bilt. The photograph is structured around the meticulous arrangement of figures. The visual symmetry, however, appears to destabilize the hierarchy it aims to display. The figures of the royals are subtly embedded within the broader composition. This compositional technique allows for a reading of the artwork that moves beyond conventional representations of power and authority. The photograph's sepia tones and the oval frame further enhance the sense of historical distance, inviting reflection on the shifting dynamics of representation and identity. This artistic choice underscores the idea that meaning is not inherent but constructed, challenging us to re-evaluate the codes and conventions that govern our perception of historical events and figures.