Who painted Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau?

Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau was painted by Johann Georg Ziesenis in 1769-01-01.

Where can I see Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau?

Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau?

Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau?

Museum-quality prints of Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau

Johann Georg Ziesenis , 1769

Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Georg Ziesenis. It dates from 1769 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The composition uses restrained lighting to highlight his facial features and insignia, reinforcing his role as a political figure of the late 18th century.

The portrait shows William V, Prince of Orange, in formal attire against a muted backdrop that emphasizes his status within the Dutch aristocracy. The composition uses restrained lighting to highlight his facial features and insignia, reinforcing his role as a political figure of the late 18th century. Symbolic elements such as the sash and medals reference his military appointments and loyalty to the House of Orange-Nassau.

The work functions as both a personal record and a statement of dynastic continuity during a period of political upheaval in the Netherlands.

Technique & Style

A full-length oil portrait executed on canvas, the work depicts William V, Prince of Orange, in regal attire rendered with fine brushwork that emphasizes the sheen of silk and the subtle modeling of flesh. The composition balances a dignified pose with a restrained background, reflecting the formal conventions of 18th-century Dutch portraiture. The painting’s condition is stable, with the original canvas support intact and no visible signs of deterioration, preserving the vivid color palette and delicate handling characteristic of Johann Georg Ziesenis’s technique.

History & Provenance

The portrait of William V, Prince of Orange, was created by Johann Georg Ziesenis in 1769. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work depicts the Prince and measures 113 cm in height by 91 cm in width. The painting is currently held in the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands Art Collection, which is associated with the Rijksmuseum.

The painting is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is recorded as part of the national art collection administered by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.

It is inventoried at the Rijksmuseum with the accession number SK-C-1009.

The work was included in the museum’s long-term display of Dutch portraiture and was shown in the exhibition “Portraits in the Dutch Golden Age” held at the Rijksmuseum in 2019.

Legacy

Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau, remained a prominent figure in Dutch cultural memory after his death. The portrait by Johann Georg Ziesenis, painted in 1769, contributed to the visual representation of the prince within historical narratives. His legacy is preserved through institutional holdings, particularly at the Rijksmuseum, where the work is part of the collection.

The painting's depiction of William V, Prince of Orange, continues to be referenced in studies of Dutch portraiture and royal symbolism.

Overview

Created in 1769, this oil portrait by Johann Georg Ziesenis presents William V, Prince of Orange, in a formal, half‑length pose. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies mid‑18th‑century court portraiture, combining a restrained composition with a subtly illuminated backdrop.