Who painted William IV of Orange?

William IV of Orange was painted by Philip van Dijk in 1736.

Where can I see William IV of Orange?

William IV of Orange is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is William IV of Orange?

William IV of Orange is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

William IV of Orange

Philip van Dijk , 1736

William IV of Orange is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Philip van Dijk. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

He is seated, with his right arm resting on a surface beside him and his left arm extended, holding a cane.

This painting depicts a man with long, wavy hair and a light-colored jacket. He is seated, with his right arm resting on a surface beside him and his left arm extended, holding a cane.

The man's attire includes a dark vest or waistcoat over a white shirt, and he wears dark pants. The background of the painting is dark, with a curtain or drapery visible behind him.

The painting's style and technique suggest a formal portrait, likely created during the 18th century. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up the technique.

Overview

Philip van Dijk’s oil portrait, executed in 1736, presents William IV, Prince of Orange, in a formal seated pose. The composition centers the sitter against a darkened backdrop, accentuated by a draped curtain, and highlights his aristocratic bearing through measured gestures and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays William IV with long, wavy hair and a composed expression, emphasizing his status as a Dutch prince. His pose—right arm resting on a nearby surface, left arm extended to hold a cane—conveys authority and poise, typical of 18th‑century princely portraiture.

Technique & Style

Van Dijk employs a restrained palette of dark tones contrasted with the lighter jacket and white shirt, creating subtle chiaroscuro that models the figure’s form. The brushwork is smooth and precise, reflecting the academic conventions of Dutch portraiture in the early Enlightenment period.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the painting has remained within public collections, ultimately entering the holdings of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst. Its documented provenance traces a straightforward path from the artist’s studio to the museum’s acquisition records, confirming its authenticity and historical continuity.