Portret van George III, koning van Groot-Brittanië en Hannover 1772

Reinier Vinkeles created this engraving of George III, King of Great Britain and Hannover, in 1772. This small print offers a window into the representation of power during a time of significant political and social upheaval. Consider how George is presented: in profile, his gaze averted, embodying the detached authority expected of a monarch. The elaborate wig and formal attire speak to the performance of royal identity, carefully constructed and consumed by the public. Yet, this image was created during a period of growing dissent in the British colonies, a direct challenge to the Crown's authority and the very system it upheld. Looking at this portrait, we might ask: Whose stories are missing? What perspectives are silenced by this carefully curated image of power? And how does this historical representation resonate with contemporary dialogues about leadership, representation, and accountability? It invites us to reflect on the complexities of history and the ongoing struggle to create more inclusive narratives.