Artwork

King William III

King William III, by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, ink, 1694
King William III, by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, ink, 1694

King William III is an ink print by the Baroque artist Pieter Stevens van Gunst. It dates from 1694 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

King William III is an etching with engraving on laid paper, created by Pieter Stevens van Gunst in 1694, portraying the monarch in a formal, dignified manner.

Subject & Meaning

The print focuses on King William III's solemn visage, emphasizing his authority through meticulous detail, reflecting contemporary expectations of leadership representation.

Technique & Style

The artwork combines etching and engraving techniques to achieve intricate detail, with the king's expressive face as the central compositional element.

History & Provenance

Created in 1694 by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The piece exemplifies the 17th-century practice of using detailed, formal portraiture to convey the power and gravity of European monarchs.

Legacy

While the broader impact of this specific work is not detailed, it contributes to the historical record of King William III's visual legacy and the artistic techniques of its time.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.