Volksgeschenk voor Willem III, koning der Nederlanden, aangeboden op 23 maart 1862 1862

This print, made in 1862 by an anonymous artist, depicts a "people's gift" for King William III of the Netherlands. It shows an elaborate book stand with an ornate, tooled leather book, a presentation piece designed to showcase national pride. Looking closely, you see it's not just about the object itself, but the *idea* of it. This gift was likely made from precious materials by highly skilled craftspeople. The leather, for instance, would have been carefully selected and worked, displaying the maker’s expertise. The stand, probably made of carved wood and precious metal, shows off the carver's skill and the metal worker’s artistry. But consider the social context: this gift was presented during a time of significant industrial and social change. It represents a desire to present an image of wealth and status, but also, perhaps, anxieties about labor and class. The production of such a piece would involve considerable time and human labor. By focusing on materials, making, and the broader social context, we can understand the full meaning of this artwork. It challenges us to think beyond traditional art history, acknowledging the importance of design and craftsmanship in understanding objects like this.