Standbeeld van koning Willem II in Den Haag c. 1860 - 1880

This photograph by Andries Jager captures the statue of King William II in The Hague, immortalizing a figure of Dutch royalty in the visual language of the 19th century. Consider the historical context: monuments like these weren't just about honoring individuals, but about solidifying power structures and national identity. The statue's placement in a public space underscores its role in shaping collective memory and reinforcing the status quo. It prompts us to reflect on how such monuments contribute to the narratives we tell ourselves about who we are as a society, and whose stories get remembered and celebrated. What does it mean to have a king represented in this way, and what message does it send about power, authority, and national identity?