Stadhouderschap tot 1802 1802

Willem Kok created this print, titled *Stadhouderschap tot 1802*, at an unknown date. Here, a grand staircase becomes a stage for the history of the Dutch Stadtholderate, a position of power held by the House of Orange. Each step carries figures representing different eras, each with its own set of social and political tensions. We see not just a procession of figures, but a carefully constructed hierarchy. Kok’s print is more than a historical record; it's a reflection on the shifting sands of power and national identity. The individuals depicted here are caught in the currents of their time, navigating issues of governance, representation, and legacy. This artwork invites us to consider how historical narratives are constructed and who gets to ascend the stairs of history.