Portret van Wilhelmina van Pruisen 1765 - 1767

Cornelis van Noorde made this print of Wilhelmina of Prussia. It's a modest-sized engraving, likely intended for circulation among a relatively broad public in the Netherlands. The image presents Wilhelmina as a figure of refined elegance, her clothing adorned with flowers, and her hair carefully styled. Yet this isn't just a portrait of a fashionable woman; it’s a political statement. Made in the late 18th century, the print served to bolster the image of the House of Orange, at a time when the Dutch Republic was facing internal divisions and external pressures. Wilhelmina, as the wife of William V, the Prince of Orange, was seen as a symbol of stability. The inscription below her image reinforces this, emphasizing her role as the future consort of the Stadtholder. Prints like these functioned as propaganda, reinforcing the legitimacy and prestige of the ruling family. To truly understand this image, we can delve into archival records, political pamphlets, and other visual materials of the time. This helps to understand the complex web of social, cultural, and institutional forces that shaped its creation and reception.