Koning Willem I geeft dank voor de hulp verleend aan de slachtoffers van de watersnood van 1826 - Jean Baptiste Ambroise Marcellin Jobard

A detailed 1829 lithograph depicting King William I of the Netherlands acknowledging aid provided to flood victims in 1826.

This lithograph by Jean Baptiste Ambroise Marcellin Jobard depicts a formal scene from 1826, in which King William I of the Netherlands expresses gratitude for the assistance provided to victims of a severe flood. The composition is structured around the central figure of the King, who sits upon a throne, elevated on a dais. He is surrounded by members of his court and military officials, all rendered in the precise, linear style characteristic of early nineteenth-century lithography. The artist employs fine hatching to create depth and shadow, particularly within the folds of the heavy drapery hanging behind the throne and the uniforms of the gathered figures.

The work serves as a record of a specific political and humanitarian event, capturing the gravity of the royal audience. The inclusion of the French text below the image, which quotes the King's speech regarding the generous commiseration of his compatriots, provides context for the scene. The print is marked as the 14th encounter in a series, indicating its place within a larger narrative or documentary project. The figures are arranged in a balanced, orderly fashion, reflecting the formal decorum of the Dutch court during this period. The use of lithography allowed for the reproduction of such historical scenes, making them accessible to a wider audience interested in contemporary events and royal activities. The monochromatic palette and the attention to detail in the clothing and architectural elements demonstrate the technical proficiency of Jobard, who was active in Brussels during this era. This print remains a useful document for those studying the intersection of nineteenth-century European politics, royal iconography, and the development of print media as a tool for public communication.