The Solemn Inauguration of University of Ghent by the Prince of Orange in the Throne Room of the Town Hall on 9 October 1817 — Mattheus Ignatius van Bree

Mattheus Ignatius van Bree. Painted 1817 - 1830.

Inauguration of the University of Ghent by the Prince of Orange in the throne room of the town hall, 9 October 181, by M.I. van Bree. Education played a major role in William I's attempt to promote national unity - from nursery school to university. The North had three universities (Leiden, Utrecht and Groningen). Since the French occupation the South no longer had any. Three universities were therefore established by Royal Decree: at Louvain, Liège and Ghent. The crown prince (the future King William II) is seated to the left of an empty throne above which is a portrait of King William I. He is listening to a speech by the commissioner general of Public Education, Science and Art. At his side are the vice chancellor, the mayor of Ghent and the president of the board of curators.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

oil paint (paint), panel · Original size: 66 × 52 cm

Print: 66 × 52 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20026748. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.