Where can I see Shields of Frederick V, Elizabeth, and Prince Frederick Henry?

Shields of Frederick V, Elizabeth, and Prince Frederick Henry is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Shields of Frederick V, Elizabeth, and Prince Frederick Henry?

Shields of Frederick V, Elizabeth, and Prince Frederick Henry is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Shields of Frederick V, Elizabeth, and Prince Frederick Henry

Shields of Frederick V, Elizabeth, and Prince Frederick Henry is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1621 by the Dutch engraver Simon van de Passe, this print reproduces the design of a silver medal that commemorates three members of the House of Palatine: Frederick V, his wife Elizabeth, and their son Frederick Henry. The composition presents three distinct shields, each bearing its own heraldic motifs, set within a decorative frame that includes Latin inscriptions.

Subject & Meaning

The three shields function as visual identifiers for the princely figures, emphasizing lineage and dynastic alliance. By portraying Frederick V, Elizabeth Stuart, and their heir together, the work underscores the political significance of their marriage and the continuation of their claim to the Bohemian throne, a point of contemporary relevance in early‑17th‑century Europe.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employed fine line engraving and cross‑hatching to render the intricate details of the shields and surrounding ornamentation. The technique, transferred from a silver medal, allows for precise rendering of heraldic symbols and lettering, while the dense patterning around the central devices reflects the period’s taste for elaborate, text‑rich compositions.

History & Provenance

The print originates from a silver medal struck in the early 1620s, likely intended as a commemorative object for supporters of the Palatine cause. As a reproduction, the engraving facilitated wider dissemination of the image, serving both as a political token and as a collectible item among collectors of numismatic and portrait prints.

Context

Produced during the Thirty Years’ War, the work appears against a backdrop of contested claims to the Bohemian crown. Frederick V’s brief reign and subsequent exile made visual affirmations of his legitimacy especially important, and the inclusion of his wife and son reinforced the dynastic continuity sought by their supporters.