Portretten van Wilhelmina, koningin der Nederlanden, en Hendrik van Mecklenburg-Schwerin 1901

This double portrait of Queen Wilhelmina and Hendrik of Mecklenburg-Schwerin has been carefully rendered with a light, decorative touch. It’s interesting how this artwork isn’t about a likeness as such, it’s more about the process of artmaking and how this creates a presence. The surface is quite flat and the tones are limited, with a pale palette punctuated by areas of dense hatching and fine lines in the borders. It feels like the artist's hand is very present in the work, guiding us through the different tones and textures. Looking closer, you can see how the portraits and family details are framed by the ornate and botanical designs, echoing the high status of the subjects. It reminds me of the work of Hilma af Klint, in the way it balances figuration and decoration to create a powerful sense of space and depth. It's a good reminder that art is always a conversation.