Houten gestoelte, door Prins Willem I gebruikt in het huis van de familie De Graeff

This is a photograph by Pieter Oosterhuis of a wooden chair, or ‘gestoelte’, that was supposedly used by Prince William I in the house of the De Graeff family. In the Netherlands during the 19th century, historical objects like this chair gained significance as symbols of national identity. The focus on Prince William I, a key figure in Dutch history, reflects a desire to connect with a heroic past. However, the chair's association with the De Graeff family, an important political family, also speaks to the complex social dynamics of the time. Wealthy families often played a role in shaping national narratives through their patronage and collecting. Photographs like this one were often used to document and promote these historical connections. We can research the history of Dutch national identity, the role of the Oranje family, and the influence of wealthy patrons on Dutch culture to better understand the chair's meaning.