Aankomst van de prins van Oranje te Scheveningen, 1813 1813 - 1814

Willem Hendrik Hoogkamer made this print of the Prince of Orange's arrival at Scheveningen in 1813. The image shows a moment of national jubilation, as cheering crowds greet the future King William I following the end of French rule. It's interesting to consider the image's role in shaping Dutch national identity. The print presents William as a symbol of liberation and unity, which is emphasized through the waving flags and enthusiastic public. But the reality was surely more complex. Napoleon’s defeat created a vacuum of power which the Netherlands needed to fill. William's arrival, facilitated by British support, was as much a strategic move to re-establish Dutch sovereignty as it was a spontaneous homecoming. By examining sources from the period, such as pamphlets, newspapers, and personal letters, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the image reflects and shapes the social and political currents of the time.