Portret van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden 1874 - 1929

Arnoldus Cornelius Verhees created this portrait of Willem III, King of the Netherlands, using an etching technique. Verhees, born in 1859, lived in a time of significant social and political change, and his art often reflected the established order. This image presents Willem III, a figure of power and authority, with meticulous detail. His beard, coat, and even his signature are rendered with precision. How do traditional representations of masculinity and power intersect here? Willem III's reign was marked by complex colonial policies in places like Indonesia. This portrait then, invites us to reflect on the relationship between national identity, colonial power, and representation. Ultimately, this portrait serves not only as a historical record, but also as a point of reflection on the legacies of power and representation.