Artwork
William IV (1711-51), Prince of Orange-Nassau
William IV (1711-51), Prince of Orange-Nassau is an ivory painting by the Rococo painting artist Gerrit Kamphuysen. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
The painting is an example of a portrait from the 18th century, and it showcases the artist's skill in capturing the subject's likeness and expression.
This painting is a portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a blue coat and a red and white collar. He is also wearing a brown and gold necklace and a black and gold shoulder piece. The background of the painting is a light brown color.
The man in the painting is looking directly at the viewer with a neutral expression. His hair is styled in a curly fashion, and he has a small nose and mouth. The overall style of the painting is realistic, with attention to detail in the subject's clothing and accessories.
The painting is an example of a portrait from the 18th century, and it showcases the artist's skill in capturing the subject's likeness and expression. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up Gerrit Kamphuysen.
Overview
Created around 1750 by Gerrit Kamphuysen, this ivory portrait presents William IV, Prince of Orange‑Nassau (1711‑1751). The sitter faces the viewer directly, his expression neutral, set against a muted light‑brown backdrop. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts the Dutch prince in his later years, his white, curled hair and dignified bearing emphasizing his status. The direct gaze suggests a sense of authority and personal presence, while the restrained facial expression conveys the composure expected of a ruler of his era.
Technique & Style
Kamphuysen employs a realistic approach, rendering fabrics and metalwork with careful attention. The prince wears a blue coat trimmed with a red‑white collar, a brown‑gold necklace, and a black‑gold shoulder piece, each depicted with fine detail that highlights texture and sheen. The overall palette is subdued, reinforcing the portrait’s sober tone.
History & Provenance
The portrait was produced circa 1750, likely commissioned to commemorate the prince’s legacy after his death in 1751. It entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings as part of the museum’s Dutch portrait collection, where it remains on display as a representation of mid‑18th‑century court portraiture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dutch artists in the 1700s often painted tiny portraits on ivory for keepsakes. Gerrit Kamphuysen made more than 50 of these, mostly small ovals worn as lockets or attached to snuffboxes. In the Gallery you’ll find…
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