Bezoek van de koningin aan de gewonde prins van Oranje, 1815 1815

This print, made in 1815 by an anonymous artist, depicts the Queen visiting the wounded Prince of Orange. It’s rendered in a modest technique – likely a combination of etching and engraving, printed in black ink and then carefully hand-colored. These were standard methods for producing images quickly and affordably at the time. Consider the context: this image wasn't intended as a precious artwork but rather to be circulated widely, reinforcing the monarchy's image in a time of political change. The linear precision of the etching captures the scene's details, from the ornate interior to the figures' costumes. The addition of color, though applied by hand, lends an air of realism and vitality. Yet, the very process of mass production and hand-coloring speaks to the mechanics of image-making and royal propaganda. Ultimately, this print underscores how an ostensibly simple medium can be deeply embedded in the social and political currents of its time, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and political messaging.