Portret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 1724

This is Bernard Picart's portrait of Willem III, Prince of Orange, made with etching and engraving techniques. Consider the weight of representation in this era. Willem, who later became King of England, is depicted within an oval frame, a classic symbol of authority and status. Yet, what does it mean to capture a ruler's image during a time of shifting power dynamics? The armor and luxurious cloak speak to his military and royal status, but how do these symbols intersect with Willem’s personal identity and the complex political landscape of his time? The details in the print invite us to consider the layers of identity and the roles he played on the European stage. As you reflect on this portrait, think about how images of power are constructed and what stories they tell, both intentionally and unintentionally, about the individuals and the societies they represent.