Sterfbed van prins Willem V 1808 - 1810

Jan Gerritsz. Visser created this print depicting "The Deathbed of Prince William V" around 1806. It presents us with a vision of power, death, and the spectacle of grief. The scene is carefully staged. William V lies in state, attended by somber figures while his wife stands weeping. Above, an angel, presumably a messenger from God, bears witness. What does it mean to depict the death of a Prince like this? William V lived in a time of great upheaval, his reign marked by political instability and revolution. By visually linking William V to divine favor, this print attempts to reinforce traditional hierarchies. The emotional display of his wife and the allegorical figures serve to ennoble him. As we consider this print, we must ask ourselves how those in power attempt to control not only our lives, but also our memories.