Portret van Wilhelmina van Pruisen (1751-1820) 1783 - 1851

Willem van Senus created this portrait of Wilhelmina of Prussia, likely as an engraving. The monochrome palette, combined with the stippling and hatching techniques, lends a sense of formality and depth to the subject. Framed within an oval, Wilhelmina is presented with symbols of power and virtue, which serve to ennoble the sitter. The crown and heraldic emblems at the top, and an arrangement of symbolic objects below, are counterpointed by the floral garlands that frame the portrait and soften the overall effect. This contrast of rigid structure and organic forms creates a visual dichotomy, possibly reflecting the subject's own status and virtues. The artist employs a semiotic language where objects are signs, inviting viewers to decode the sitter's identity and role within the cultural framework of her time. While seemingly straightforward, such portraits operate within a complex system of representation, where appearance, status and virtue are visually articulated. As viewers, we must consider not only what is shown, but also what is implied about power, gender and representation.