Koning Willem I ontmoet een stroper - Jean Baptiste Ambroise Marcellin Jobard

A nineteenth-century lithograph depicting a narrative encounter between King William I and a poacher, capturing a moment of royal anecdote.

This lithograph by Jean Baptiste Ambroise Marcellin Jobard depicts a narrative encounter between King William I and a poacher. The work, dated 1829, captures a moment of social interaction that bridges the divide between the monarchy and the common populace. The King, dressed in formal attire including a top hat and long coat, stands in contrast to the rugged appearance of the poacher, who wears simpler clothing and gestures towards the distance. The composition is framed by a rocky, uneven terrain, suggesting a rural setting where such an unexpected meeting might occur.

Jobard, known for his technical interest in the lithographic process, employs a refined use of shading to define the figures and the surrounding environment. The print includes a caption in French, which translates to an invitation for the poacher to visit the royal palace to obtain a permit, thereby legitimising his activities. This text adds a layer of anecdotal storytelling common in nineteenth-century genre prints. The artist focuses on the clarity of the interaction, using the figures to anchor the scene while keeping the background relatively sparse. The work reflects the period's interest in royal anecdotes and the portrayal of the monarch in approachable, everyday situations. The lithographic technique allows for a soft, tonal quality that enhances the atmospheric feel of the outdoor encounter. As a historical document, the print provides insight into the visual culture of the Netherlands during the reign of William I, where such prints were circulated to humanise the sovereign. The attention to detail in the clothing and the expressive gestures of the subjects demonstrates Jobard's skill in characterisation within the constraints of the medium.