Ruiterstandbeeld van Willem II, koning der Nederlanden, op het Place Guillaume II te Luxemburg 1884 - 1890

This print by E. & A. Tilly depicts the equestrian statue of Willem II, King of the Netherlands. Immediately, the emphasis on symmetry captures our attention, contrasting the dynamic pose of the horse with the stoic figure of the king. The composition uses stark contrasts to articulate form and texture. See how the interplay of light and shadow gives volume to the figures, highlighting the textures of fabric and stone? This attention to detail elevates the work beyond mere representation. The statue is presented as a public monument intended to signify power and authority. The formal language of the artwork reflects the values of its time, while the medium of printmaking suggests a democratizing impulse, making the image of power accessible to a wider audience. Consider how the print not only represents a statue, but also embodies a complex set of ideas about representation itself. The artwork functions as a sign within a broader cultural discourse about monarchy, nationhood, and public memory.