Dragers van insignia in de begrafenisstoet van prinses Maria Louise, 1765 1765

Rienk Jelgerhuis created this print in 1765, depicting the funeral procession of Princess Maria Louise. In this historical moment, visual representations of power and status were carefully constructed and performed. Notice the figures draped in cloaks, each carrying symbols of the princess's lineage and authority. These aren’t just objects; they are emblems of identity, marking the princess's place within the complex social hierarchy of the Dutch Republic. The solemn procession, captured here, was more than a display of mourning. It was a strategic performance that reinforced the power of the House of Orange-Nassau. Jelgerhuis's print offers us a glimpse into the rituals that shaped societal perceptions of gender, class, and political legitimacy. It’s a poignant reminder of how identity is both performed and memorialized, and how these performances shape our understanding of history.