De vorst die naar 's lands wet het gansche volk regeert, / Verdient dat elk opregt hem hulde en trouwe zweert. / Hem drukt ons aller last; maar de edelste vorstin, / Verligt zijn zorgen door de zaal'ge huwlijksmin 1806 - 1830

Jacob Plügger created this hand-colored etching of the King and Queen sometime in the first half of the 19th century. The work offers a fascinating insight into the politics of imagery and the public role of art in the Netherlands at that time. This print would have been distributed among the Dutch population. Its purpose? To promote loyalty to the monarchy. The King is depicted with symbols of power, such as his military uniform and sword, while the Queen is presented as the King’s loving, supportive wife. The use of text reinforces the idea that the King rules by law and deserves the loyalty of his subjects. We can better understand images like these through the study of Dutch history, culture, and politics. What was the relationship between the Dutch monarchy and its people at this time? What were the major political and social issues facing the Netherlands? Researching these questions can help us to interpret the role art plays in shaping public opinion and political discourse.