Artwork
Portrait of Frederick Lewis van Hannover (1707-1751)
Portrait of Frederick Lewis van Hannover (1707-1751) is a copper painting. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work is an oval portrait executed on copper, depicting a gentleman in profile.
About this work
Overview
The work is an oval portrait executed on copper, depicting a gentleman in profile. He wears a curled wig, a high‑collared coat with a ruffled sleeve, and his shoulders are turned toward the viewer. The composition is set against an unadorned background, which directs attention to the sitter’s facial features and the intricate folds of his attire.
Subject & Meaning
The figure represented is Frederick Lewis van Hannover (1707–1751), a member of the Hanoverian family. Rendered in profile, the portrait emphasizes his status through the elaborate wig and formal dress, common visual cues of rank in early‑18th‑century portraiture. The plain backdrop suggests a focus on personal identity rather than narrative context.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a single reddish‑brown ink on a light ground, producing a drawing‑like effect with careful shading. Lines are rendered with precision, especially around the wig and high collar, creating a crisp delineation of texture. The use of copper as support allows fine detail and a luminous surface that enhances the ink’s tonal range.
History & Provenance
The portrait is part of the Rijksmuseum collection, where it is displayed for public viewing. Its acquisition history is not detailed in the available information, but the work’s medium and execution date place it within the early‑18th‑century Dutch tradition of copper portraiture.
Artist & collection
