Artwork

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II, by Peter Hoadly, unspecified, 1750
Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II, by Peter Hoadly, unspecified, 1750

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Peter Hoadly. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The artwork depicts Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart together as a symbolic union of political and dynastic power. The portrait functions as a miniature representation of royal authority, with the cardboard medium and small scale emphasizing intimate presentation. Its creation in 1750 places it within a tradition of commemorative portraiture that celebrated joint rule.

Technique & Style

Both the cataloguing record and the Wikidata entry classify the medium as cardboard, indicating a modest, lightweight ground rather than canvas or panel.

The work is a miniature painting executed on cardboard support, consistent with the small-scale format typical of the genre. Both the cataloguing record and the Wikidata entry classify the medium as cardboard, indicating a modest, lightweight ground rather than canvas or panel. Dimensional data give the support a height of 6.1 cm and a width of 5.2 cm, confirming its intimate, handheld proportions.

Stylistically, the piece belongs to the tradition of miniature portraiture, a format suited to private, often dynastic commemoration. The support and scale suggest a finely handled, detailed technique designed for close viewing rather than display at distance. No further information on condition, paint medium, or specific stylistic handling is documented in the available sources.

History & Provenance

The double portrait depicting Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II was created in 1750 by the artist Peter Hoadly. Executed on cardboard, the work is classified as a miniature painting. The piece currently resides in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is held as part of their permanent holdings.

No specific details regarding the original commission or the intermediate ownership chain prior to its arrival at the museum are provided in the available records.

Overview

This oval portrait, dated circa 1750, depicts Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II side by side, rendered in fine detail on cardboard by artist Peter Hoadly, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.

Context

The painting's small, portable size, complete with a jewel-like frame and ribbon loop, suggests it was designed as a personal keepsake rather than a grand display piece, indicating its potential use as a token of affection or remembrance.

Portrait of William III, Prince of Orange and King of England after 1689
Portrait of William III, Prince of Orange and King of England after 1689, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Peter Hoadly

Peter Hoadly painted formal portraits in 18th-century Britain. His Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II shows the Dutch king and English queen side by side, dressed in royal robes and holding…

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 Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II?

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II was painted by Peter Hoadly in 1750.

Where can I see Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II?

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II?

Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II?

Museum-quality prints of Double portrait of Willem III of Orange and Mary Stuart II are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.