Ere-escorte van Amsterdamse burgers bij de troonsbestijging van koningin Wilhelmina

About this artwork

Legaat van mevrouw M.C.J. Breitner-Jordan, Zeist

Art Historical Context

Behold *Ere-escorte vanse burgers bij de trobestijging van koning Wilhelmina* (Honorary Escort of Amsterdam Citizens the Enthronement of Queen Wilhel), a captivating work by Dutch artist Albert Greiner from1898. This intimate piece, measuring just 281 mm high by 387 mm wide, captures a of national celebration as Amsterdam's burghers proudly escort the newly enthroned young queen. Wilhelmina, only 18 when she ascended the throne on September 6, 1898, following her father's death, symbolized a new era of stability and prosperity for the Netherlands during a time of imperial expansion and social change. Rendered on cardboard—a modest yet versatile medium often used for sketches, studies, or preparatory designs—Greiner's artwork likely served as a commemorative illustration or design element, evoking the pageantry of the event. The choice of cardboard highlights the era's practical artistic approaches, allowing for quick yet detailed renderings of public spectacles. Its historical significance lies in documenting civic pride and loyalty to the House of Orange, reflecting Amsterdam's vibrant role in royal festivities. This piece entered the collection as a bequest from Mrs. M.C.J. Breitner-Jordan of Zeist, linking it to prominent Dutch artistic circles—possibly evoking connections to painter George Hendrik Breitner. A charming snapshot of fin-de-siècle patriotism, it invites visitors to imagine the cheers and splendor of Wilhelmina's coronation procession.