Artwork
William, Count of Nassau, Prince of Orange
William, Count of Nassau, Prince of Orange is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hendrick Goltzius. It dates from 1581 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:in small cartouche below portrait, in plate: H.Goltzius fecit.; on border of small cartouche below portrait, in plate: Hh ex.; in border around portrait: GUILELM D.G. PR. AVRAICAE. COMES. NASSAUIAE. AET. AN. XLVIII. A. (I)LXXXI.; at top, in border around coat of arms, in plate: IE MAINTIENDRAY; in cartouche at bottom, in plate: Impia vis fremat: Haec animo cura una sedebit, / Intrepida Rex Christe manu (dum vita superstes) / Rite tuam ut possim per dura pericula, legem, / Commissumque gregem, et patriae pia iura tueri. (The violent godless must tremble. This one care occupies me, Lord Christ, that so long as I live, undaunted by the arduous dangers, I can protect Thy law, the flock entrusted to me, and the sacred privileges of the fatherland.); under vignette at upper left, in plate: Hac uce clarescit mihi nox. (The night is illuminated for me by this light.); under vignette at upper right, in plate: Hac protegor umbra. (I am protected by this shadow.); under vignette at lower right, in plate: Saevis tranquillus in undis. (Calm amidst the raging seas.); under vignette at lower left, in plate: Haec mandata sequar. (I shall follow these commandments.) [Latin translations from Leeflang, Huigen, and Ger Luijten. _Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617): Drawings, Prints and Paintings._ Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, 2003, p. 67.]
About this work
Overview
This 1581 engraving by Hendrick Goltzius portrays William, Count of Nassau, Prince of Orange. Goltzius was a prominent printmaker and draftsman of the Northern Mannerism style.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is William of Orange, a key figure in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. He is depicted with a serious expression, dressed in ornate attire, including a large hat and a fur-trimmed coat.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases Goltzius's technical skill, with precise details that evoke a highly rendered drawing. Characteristic of his work, the portrait features intricate compositions and a high level of craftsmanship.
History & Provenance
Goltzius, born in Germany, was active in the Netherlands and was a leading figure in Dutch engraving during the early Baroque period. He later expanded his practice to include painting.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
