Artwork

Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau

Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau, by Johann Philipp Behr, oil, 1750
Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau, by Johann Philipp Behr, oil, 1750

Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Philipp Behr. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The portrait is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for mid-eighteenth-century European portraiture.

The portrait is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for mid-eighteenth-century European portraiture. According to the cataloguing data, the work measures 84 cm in height by 68 cm in width, giving it a vertical, modestly scaled format suited to an intimate memorial likeness of the widowed princess.

Stylistically, the painting belongs to the tradition of formal dynastic portraiture associated with Johann Philipp Behr, presenting the sitter in a composed, dignified manner typical of commemorative images of noble widows. The combination of oil medium and canvas support allowed for the smooth blending and detailed rendering characteristic of the period's portrait practice, though specific handling notes and current condition are not documented in the available sources.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, known as Maaike-Meu, was created by Johann Philipp Behr in 1750. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work measures 84 cm in height and 68 cm in width. The painting depicts the widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland, John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

Overview

This oil portrait, painted around 1750 by Johann Philipp Behr, presents Maria Louisa van Hessen‑Kassel, known as Maaike‑Meu, the widow of John William Friso, Prince of Orange‑Nassau and former stadtholder of Friesland. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies mid‑18th‑century Dutch portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Maria Louisa is shown in an elaborate, low‑cut gown trimmed with lace and embroidery, her dark wig adorned with jewels. A fan rests in her hand, and her composed expression, marked by a faint smile, conveys both dignity and the sober resolve expected of a widowed noblewoman of her rank.

La emperatriz Isabel Cristina de Brunswick
La emperatriz Isabel Cristina de Brunswick

Artist & collection

Artist

Johann Philipp Behr

Johann Philipp Behr (1701–1756) was an artist, born in Augsburg.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau?

Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau was painted by Johann Philipp Behr in 1750-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau?

Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau?

Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Maria Louisa van Hessen-Kassel, called Maaike-Meu. Widow of the Stadtholder of Friesland John Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.