Portret van Wilhelmina, koningin der Nederlanden 1885 - 1909

This is Henri Dochy’s print of Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands. It's a portrait derived from an earlier pastel by Thérèse Schwartze. Wilhelmina ascended the throne at the tender age of ten, and the weight of royal responsibility is palpable in this depiction. The artist captures the innocence of youth, yet there is a discernible seriousness in her gaze, foreshadowing her future role as a monarch in a rapidly changing world. Consider the historical context: Wilhelmina's reign spanned pivotal moments in Dutch history, including both World Wars and the decline of the Dutch colonial empire. This image can be seen as constructing a narrative of Dutch identity, leadership and resilience. The portrait goes beyond a mere representation of royalty; it delves into the personal sacrifices and emotional complexities inherent in a life of duty. The image invites us to reflect on the burden of leadership, the expectations placed upon women, and the delicate balance between personal identity and public persona.