Artwork
Portrait of Willem V van Oranje- Nassau (1748-1806)
Portrait of Willem V van Oranje- Nassau (1748-1806) is an ivory painting. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
This small oval portrait, carved directly into ivory, depicts Willem V van Oranje-Nassau in profile, emphasizing his face and ornate military attire against a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
Willem V van Oranje-Nassau (1748-1806), the subject, is portrayed wearing a blue military coat with gold braid and a star-shaped medal, conveying his military and noble status through these symbols of honor and rank.
Technique & Style
The use of ivory as the medium, a rare and expensive material, highlights the artist's skill in carving tiny, intricate details such as the gold braid and the medal's red cross, achieving remarkable clarity and depth.
History & Provenance
Limited information is provided on the portrait's history and ownership timeline, though its style suggests it may have been created during Willem V's lifetime (1748-1806), potentially by a European artist familiar with ivory carving techniques.
Context
The portrait reflects 18th-century European aristocratic and military portraiture traditions, where such depictions served to affirm the subject's position and achievements. The choice of ivory, due to its rarity and cost, further emphasizes the subject's wealth and status.
Artist & collection
