Willem V, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1787 - 1795

This silver pendant of Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, was crafted by an anonymous artist. Consider the weight of representation that objects like these carry. Willem V inherited a complex legacy, navigating the waning years of the Dutch Republic amidst internal strife and external pressures. This likeness, caught in profile, speaks to the visual language of power, echoing classical portraiture while situated within a specific Dutch context. But how does this image function beyond mere representation? Medals and pendants like these often served as symbols of allegiance and identity, worn by individuals who aligned themselves with the values and authority of the portrayed figure. They offer an intimate connection to power, scaled down and made portable, allowing for personal identification with the Prince. How might the wearing of such an emblem shape one’s sense of self and belonging within the political landscape of the time?