Inhulding van Leopold I als koning der Belgen, 1831 1831

Jean-Baptiste Madou created this print depicting ‘The Inauguration of Leopold I as King of the Belgians, 1831’. The artwork documents a pivotal moment in Belgian history, a history marked by struggles for independence and self-determination. Madou’s print invites us to reflect on the performance of power. What does it mean to inaugurate a king? How is power visually constructed and legitimized? Think about the architecture as a backdrop, and the symbolism embedded within the image, from the royal emblems to the positioning of Leopold himself. This image is not just a neutral recording; it is a carefully constructed representation of power and national identity. As you look at the print, consider the people who are included, and perhaps more importantly, those who are excluded from this vision of Belgium. What stories remain untold?