Reproductie van de Franse spotprent op de vermeende dood van Willem III, 1690 1877 - 1879

Curator: Here we have "Reproductie van de Franse spotprent op de vermeende dood van Willem III, 1690," or "Reproduction of the French satirical print on the alleged death of William III, 1690". It's an engraving made between 1877 and 1879 by Emrik & Binger and resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My eyes immediately go to that bizarre procession! A theatrical, almost surreal image of…what is that, a funeral? The starkness of the line work emphasizes the exaggerated grief. Is this mourning or mocking? Curator: It is absolutely mocking. The print is a reproduction of a French political cartoon responding to rumors of William of Orange’s death. As a piece of propaganda, it showcases how political events were manipulated into popular visual culture. We need to understand Anglo-French relations and Dutch history to truly appreciate its message. Editor: Ah, so it's spinning the narrative. Note how those carrying the coffin look burdened, but not necessarily saddened. There is a lot of symbolism layered there. Plus the tiny hanging figure adds a touch of morbid humor – or maybe dread? I like the stark landscape in the background too, really gives this moment of imagined French triumph an almost barren, isolating feel. Curator: Precisely. The texts above and the various figures represent specific political figures and anxieties surrounding William's reign. It's a layered piece meant to inspire public opinion, though viewed today, without context, the symbols could definitely read very differently! The 'narrative-art' aspect truly takes center stage. Editor: It definitely reminds us that even the news we consume today might be packaged a certain way to get our emotions invested. So many prints back then, and TikTok trends today all want to be relatable or grab our attention, right? It makes you think, doesn’t it? Curator: It certainly does, and I would simply add it underlines the vital role visual culture plays in shaping our perceptions and how those perceptions play out politically and socially. Editor: Absolutely. Now, with that political and cultural context, I might almost start laughing at this piece. Before, it just had me scratching my head. Thanks for the breakdown!