Dood van koningin Maria II Stuart, 1695 1711

This print, made in the Netherlands in 1695 by an anonymous artist, depicts the death of Queen Mary II Stuart. Through this event, the artist presents a visual commentary on the social and political structures of the time. The image creates meaning through its composition and details. The setting in Whitehall Palace, the presence of courtiers, and the Queen's elevated position on her deathbed emphasize the importance of the monarchy. Notice that the print was made in the Netherlands, rather than England. This is no coincidence. Mary's husband, William of Orange, was Dutch, and they ruled jointly after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This event had a profound impact on Dutch-English relations and on the balance of power in Europe. Historians use various resources such as archival documents, political pamphlets, and other visual representations to understand the complex web of social, political, and economic factors that shaped the production and reception of art like this. The meaning of this print is contingent on these social and institutional contexts.