Queen Emma and Princess Wilhelmina depart by carriage from Noordeinde Palace, The Hague

Arend Arnoldus Eduard Marcelis, born on July 26, 1872, in Den Haag, Netherlands, was a Dutch painter known for his works depicting historical and royal scenes. Marcelis’s most notable painting, “Queen Emma and Princess Wilhelmina Depart by Carriage from Noordeinde Palace, The Hague,” dated 1999, captures a significant moment in Dutch history.

Queen Emma, born Adelheid Emma Wilhelmina Theresia on August 2, 1858, in Arolsen, was the Princess of Waldeck and Pyrmont. She married King Willem III of the Netherlands on January 7, 1879, and their daughter, Wilhelmina, was born on August 31, 1880. Following King Willem III’s death, Queen Emma served as regent for her daughter, Queen Wilhelmina, from November 20 to 23, 1890, and continued in this role until August 30, 1898. As regent, Queen Emma played a crucial role in preparing her daughter for her future duties as monarch, earning admiration for her dignity and good sense. She also contributed to the popularity of the Royal House by traveling extensively throughout the country with her daughter. Queen Emma passed away on March 20, 1934, at Lange Voorhout Palace in The Hague.

In Marcelis’s painting, “Queen Emma and Princess Wilhelmina Depart by Carriage from Noordeinde Palace, The Hague,” Queen Emma is depicted seated in the carriage alongside her daughter, Princess Wilhelmina. Queen Emma is dressed in black, while Princess Wilhelmina wears white attire. On the left side of the painting, spectators gather to watch the passage of the carriage. The sky above is tumultuous, yet an opening allows strong light to illuminate the mother and daughter, as well as the activities in the square. The facades of buildings stand bathed in sunlight, adding to the vibrancy and movement captured in the artwork.

The painting also features a statue of William of Orange, a significant historical figure in Dutch history, situated in The Hague. William of Orange, also known as William the Silent, played a pivotal role during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule in the 16th century. The equestrian statue of William of Orange at Noordeinde Palace, erected in 1845, is one of the oldest memorials in The Hague’s public spaces and holds designation as a national monument.

Arend Arnoldus Eduard Marcelis passed away on February 20, 1945, in his hometown of Den Haag, leaving behind a legacy of historical paintings that vividly capture the essence of Dutch royalty and history.