Portret van Hendrik van Oranje-Nassau 1861 - 1879

This portrait of Hendrik van Oranje-Nassau was created by Maurits Verveer. It’s a photograph, likely part of an album, that captures a man who embodied privilege and power. Hendrik, a member of the Dutch Royal House, is presented with the formal attire and groomed facial hair characteristic of European aristocracy at the time. Yet, this image exists within a complex history. Europe saw the rise of nationalism, colonialism, and burgeoning industrialization which greatly impacted class structures. Photography, a relatively new medium then, democratized portraiture, offering access beyond the elite. What does it mean to have a photograph of a royal figure available for public consumption? This image walks a line between preserving traditional representations of power and opening new narratives around identity and representation. While seemingly straightforward, it reflects a society in transition, grappling with questions of access, visibility, and the changing face of authority.