Portret van koningin Wilhelmina 1898

This is a portrait photograph of Queen Wilhelmina. It was made by De Lavieter & Co. Note the queen's dress, its whiteness is no accident. White has long symbolized purity, virtue, and, of course, royalty. Consider its connection to the vestal virgins of Rome, or even the white garments worn during baptism, all signifying a fresh start, a clean slate. Here, the psychological effect is one of trust and transparency. But consider other examples where white takes on a new resonance; for instance, the spectral figures of ghostly apparitions in folklore, or the white face paint of performers seeking to transcend their earthly selves. In each instance, the color serves as a canvas upon which our fears, hopes, and dreams are projected. These are the psychological currents at play as Wilhelmina is represented as a modern sovereign, connecting us to something profound.