Artwork

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II, by Peter Hoadly, unspecified, 1750
Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II, by Peter Hoadly, unspecified, 1750

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Peter Hoadly. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This oval portrait, dated circa 1750, depicts Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II side by side, rendered in fine detail on cardboard by artist Peter Hoadly, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures the likenesses of Willem III and Mary Stuart II in formal 18th-century attire, with the man wearing a dark coat, white cravat, and blue sash, and the woman in a low-cut blue dress with lace trim, emphasizing their dignified personas.

Technique & Style

Characterized by soft brushstrokes on the subjects' pale faces, the painting's simplicity and plain background direct focus towards the sitters, reflecting a style prioritizing intimacy over elaborate composition.

History & Provenance

Created around 1750 by Peter Hoadly, the work is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, though its history prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

The painting's small, portable size, complete with a jewel-like frame and ribbon loop, suggests it was designed as a personal keepsake rather than a grand display piece, indicating its potential use as a token of affection or remembrance.

Artist & collection

Artist

Peter Hoadly

Peter Hoadly painted formal portraits in 18th-century Britain. His Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II shows the Dutch king and English queen side by side, dressed in royal robes and holding…

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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