William III (1650-1702), when Prince of Orange c.1670-75
Oil on canvas | 48.6 x 41.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404851
-
This portrait must have been painted some time around 1672, when the French invaded the United Provinces and the sitter was elected Stadholder to lead the Dutch forces against them. The defense of the United Provinces, finally achieved in 1674, represented a turning point in the fortunes of the House of Orange, who remained hereditary Stadholders thereafter. In 1677 William III married James II’s daughter Mary; in 1688 he deposed his father-in-law to become king of Great Britain (ruling jointly with his wife, Mary II). In this portrait William wears armour and points to a conflict in the background; this probably refers to his role in the 1672-4 war, though such conventional imagery is used in portraiture for the vain as well as the brave.
Provenance
Purchased by George IV for £13 2s 6d from the sale of the effects of his brother, Frederick, Duke of York, in 1827; added to the Carlton House inventory dated 1819 (no 608); in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace in 1841 (no 167)
-
Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
48.6 x 41.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
67.4 x 59.6 x 5.8 cm (frame, external)
Other number(s)