Optocht met Willem III en Mary naar de kroning in Westminster Abbey, 1689 1725 - 1727

This print depicts the procession of William III and Mary to their coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1689, created by an anonymous artist. Consider the complex choreography of power and identity that these processions represent. The artist meticulously details the clothing and appearance of each participant, reflecting the rigid social hierarchies of the time. Gender plays a crucial role, with Mary's presence signifying a co-regency, an unusual arrangement that challenged traditional notions of monarchy. The very act of representation in this print is itself an assertion of power. These images helped to construct and disseminate a particular narrative about the new monarchs, emphasizing their legitimacy and authority. But whose stories are left out of this carefully orchestrated display? Whose labor and experiences are erased in the service of royal spectacle? By looking at these historical documents, we can begin to understand the complex ways in which identity, power, and representation are intertwined.