Artwork
William of Orange

William of Orange is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Adriaen Thomasz. Key. It is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
The painting 'William of Orange' is a portrait executed in oil paint by Adriaen Thomasz. Key, a Flemish artist, in 1590. It is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts William the Silent, a significant historical figure, dressed in formal attire with a black hat, white lace collar, and a black jacket adorned with gold embroidery. A shield with a crown and red-and-white design is visible behind him.
Technique & Style
The painting showcases Key's technical skill, particularly in the use of chiaroscuro, where light and shadow create depth. The gold thread on the subject's jacket stands out against the dark fabric, and the face is rendered realistically with subtle shading and detail.
History & Provenance
Adriaen Thomasz. Key trained under and later succeeded Willem Key in Antwerp. His work, recognized for its technical proficiency and inventive approaches during his lifetime, later influenced notable artists such as Rubens.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriaen Thomasz. Key (c. 1544 in Antwerp – after 1589 in Antwerp) was a Flemish painter of portraits and religious paintings, a draughtsman and a printmaker. He worked for a while in the Antwerp workshop of the…

















