Vertrek van de prins van Oranje uit Scheveningen, 1795 1795 - 1796

Curator: Let’s consider "Vertrek van de prins van Oranje uit Scheveningen, 1795," a fascinating engraving dating to around 1795-1796 by Theodoor Koning. You can find it here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Wow, it feels melancholic, doesn't it? The somber grey tones give the scene this aura of resignation and quiet, a farewell hanging in the air. Even the way the boats sail away seem heavy, weighted down. Curator: Absolutely. This piece depicts the departure of Prince William V from Scheveningen as he flees to exile in England during the Batavian Revolution. Koning's rendering reflects a pivotal moment of upheaval, when revolutionary forces challenged the established order, and it captures the poignant departure of a prominent figure. Editor: Knowing that adds so much depth. Look how tiny the people in the boats seem compared to the open sky. The way Koning plays with scale really amplifies a sense of vulnerability. It’s less a grand exit, more a… reluctant retreat. You almost feel a kind of empathetic sadness watching this little drama play out in such stark blacks and whites. Curator: Engravings like these were critical in shaping public sentiment. This print serves as historical document, as piece of political propaganda. Note the composition with the prince, though central to the event, confined within the carriage – this visual choice impacts our understanding of power at this moment in history. Editor: And that sense of confinement makes all the difference. What was once a straightforward historical scene now becomes layered with symbolism. It gets you thinking: What must it have been like to witness it? I suppose there are worse fates than being a monarch sailing into exile…with luggage! Curator: Indeed. Reflecting on this artwork through its historical setting gives it a remarkable, enduring impact. Editor: For me, it is a sad beauty. Knowing the historical context brings everything into such sharp focus, even through that old-engraving style.