Interieur met praalbed van prinses Anna van Hannover 1759 - 1761

Simon Fokke created this engraving of the interior with the state bed of Princess Anna of Hannover. It gives us an intimate look into the life of royalty during the 18th century. Anna was the wife of Prince William IV, and as such, a powerful woman in the Dutch Republic. The bedchamber, elaborately decorated and lit with candelabras, speaks to the wealth and status associated with her position. This image invites us to consider the gender dynamics of the time: Anna’s identity was largely defined by her marriage, yet within that role, she wielded considerable influence. The crown and robe placed at the foot of the bed symbolize power, but also the weight of responsibility. It begs the question: what was it like to be a woman of power in a world dominated by men? This print is not just a depiction of opulence; it’s a window into the complex intersection of gender, power, and identity in the 1700s.