Portret van Emma, koningin-regentes der Nederlanden, en Wilhelmina, koningin der Nederlanden 1897

Henri de Louw created this portrait of Queen Regent Emma and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. During this period, the roles of women, especially within royal families, were undergoing redefinition amidst broader social changes. The photograph captures Emma and Wilhelmina in a formal pose, reflecting the decorum expected of royalty. However, it also hints at the complex dynamics of power and influence within the Dutch monarchy. As a young queen, Wilhelmina's image was carefully crafted to project authority and stability, while Emma, as queen regent, played a crucial role in shaping Wilhelmina’s early reign. This image invites us to consider the pressures and expectations placed upon women in positions of leadership, while also pondering the intimate bond between a mother and daughter navigating the intricacies of royal life.