Kroning van Willem en Maria tot koning en koningin van Engeland, 1689 1689

This print, made by Romeyn de Hooghe, depicts the coronation of William and Mary as King and Queen of England in 1689. Beyond simply recording a historical event, it's a potent assertion of Dutch power and Protestant ascendancy in European politics. The detailed depiction of the coronation ceremony, set against the backdrop of Westminster Abbey, underscores the importance of institutional legitimacy. This image was produced in the Netherlands, a rising mercantile power, at a time when England's throne was contested. William of Orange, a Dutchman, taking the English throne was thus a major geopolitical event. By creating this print, De Hooghe wasn't just documenting history; he was shaping public opinion and solidifying a particular narrative around the Anglo-Dutch alliance. Art historians might consult period pamphlets, political tracts, and diplomatic correspondence to understand the full context and impact of such images. The meaning of art lies as much in its historical moment as in its aesthetic qualities.