Artwork
Portrait of Anna van Hannover (1709-1759)
Portrait of Anna van Hannover (1709-1759) is a copper painting by the Rococo painting artist Christian Friedrich Zincke. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1730 by Christian Friedrich Zincke, a German miniature artist who worked in England, this small-scale portrait is executed on a copper plate. The work belongs to the Rococo period and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. Its compact format and luminous surface reflect the refined taste of early‑18th‑century court portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is Anna van Hannover (1709‑1759), known as the Princess Royal and Princess of Orange. She is presented with light, loosely curled hair, a pearl‑adorned headpiece, and a pale, flower‑embroidered dress trimmed with fur. The gentle pose and soft blue background convey both her aristocratic status and the delicate elegance prized in contemporary portraiture.
Technique & Style
Zincke employed the copper support to achieve a smooth, reflective ground that intensifies the pigment’s warmth. Fine brushwork renders the silk of the dress, the sheen of the pearls, and the subtle glow of the skin. The composition’s airy background and ornamental details exemplify Rococo aesthetics, emphasizing grace and decorative finesse.
History & Provenance
After its creation, the portrait entered the Dutch royal collections before being acquired by the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces a path from court patronage in the early 1700s to a public museum setting, illustrating the movement of private royal imagery into national heritage institutions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Christian Friedrich Zincke (c.1683–5 – 24 March 1767) was a German miniature painter active in England in the 18th century.
