Allegorische compositie ter ere van Willem V prins van Oranje-Nassau, 11 Juli 1787

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Allegorische compositie ter ere van Willem prins van Oranje-Nau, 11 Juli 1787** Created by Dutch artist George Kockers between1787 and 1792, this etching celebrates Prince Willem V of Orange-Nassau on July 11, 1787—a pivotal date in Dutch history. The allegorical composition likely symbolizes the restoration the stadtholder's authority amid the Patriot Revolution, when Prussian forces intervened to suppress the Patriot uprising, reinstating Willem V's power. At 399 mm high by 320 mm wide, the print captures a moment of political triumph through symbolic imagery, blending patriotism and monarchy in a visually compelling tribute. As an etching, Kockers' work exemplifies 18th-century printmaking techniques, where acid bites into a metal plate to create intricate lines and textures, ideal for disseminating political messages widely. This medium allowed such compositions to reach collectors and the public, amplifying their cultural impact during a turbulent era of republican versus orangist tensions in the Dutch Republic. On the verso, it bears the collector's mark Lugt 2228, a stamped emblem signifying its provenance in esteemed collections, underscoring its enduring value as a historical artifact. Visitors will appreciate how this piece bridges art and politics, offering a window into the passions of late 18th-century Netherlands.