Artwork
Queen Emma, Princess of Waldeck-Pyrmont, Widow of King William III
Queen Emma, Princess of Waldeck-Pyrmont, Widow of King William III is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jan Veth. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Jan Veth’s 1918 oil portrait presents Emma of Waldeck‑Pyrmont, later queen consort of the Netherlands as the second wife of King William III. Executed in a loose, painterly manner, the work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection in Amsterdam.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in a dark dress with a white cap and lace collar, standing before an unadorned backdrop. Her hands rest on a floral chair, and her expression is solemn, conveying the dignity expected of a royal figure while retaining a subtle softness.
Technique & Style
Veth employs an Impressionist‑inspired approach, using loose brushwork especially on the sleeves and skirt to create texture, while smoother passages render the facial features. The contrast between rough and blended areas highlights his nuanced handling of light and form.
History & Provenance
Created shortly after World War I, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Veth, a prominent Dutch portraitist of his era, frequently painted leading cultural personalities, situating this work within his broader oeuvre of contemporary figures.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Pieter Veth (18 May 1864, Dordrecht – 1 July 1925, Amsterdam) was a Dutch painter, poet, art critic and university lecturer.
