Lodewijk Napoleon En Het Koninkrijk Holland: Nederlands Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek 56 (2006)

Up until now in histiography about the origins of the monarchy, little attention has been given to the Kingdom of Holland. Louis Napolean’s kingship appears to represent little more than an opportunity for the Dutch people to already gain some experience of having a monarchy. Louis’ implemented royal representation comes up against a similar disregard, yet it is an interesting example of invented tradition. In 2006, it is exactly two centuries since the Dutch republic, under the leadership of Louis Napolean, was changed into a kingdom. This dramatic event, which undoubtedly made a real difference, also to Dutch cultural life, is the theme of this Nederlands Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek (Dutch Art Historical Year Book). The general underlying question of how Louis Napolean gave form to the ‘national kingship’ he advocated is answered on the basis of much new source material. Topics covered include national art and decorative arts exhibitions, order of knights, modernisation plans for Amsterdam, ditto for architecture and the study of architecture, rebuilding plans for Leiden, Catholic ‘hofkapellen’ (court orchestras), interior designs of the palaces and court etiquette. The text is given in Dutch, and the summary in English.