Artwork

Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III

Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III, oil, 1698
Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III, oil, 1698

Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III is an oil painting. It dates from 1698 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work is a tin portrait depicting a woman with dark hair, dressed in a black gown trimmed with white lace.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

No specific iconographic attributes or symbolic elements beyond the depiction of the figure itself are detailed in the available records.

The work depicts Mary II of England, who is identified as the primary subject of this anonymous portrait created in 1695. As a formal portrait, the painting serves to represent the monarch in her official capacity as the consort of William III. The visual focus remains entirely on the sitter, establishing her royal status through the genre conventions of the period.

No specific iconographic attributes or symbolic elements beyond the depiction of the figure itself are detailed in the available records.

Technique & Style

Created in 1695 within the Northern Low Countries, this anonymous portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a tin support. The work is classified as a painting and functions as a formal depiction of Mary II of England. The physical dimensions of the piece are small in scale, measuring 9.4 cm in height and 7.5 cm in width.

While the specific handling and current condition of the surface are not detailed in the available records, the choice of tin as a substrate distinguishes its material composition from more traditional canvas or panel supports of the era.

History & Provenance

The Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III, was created in 1695 in the Northern Low Countries. This work, classified as an anonymous painting, depicts Mary II of England and is executed in oil paint on a tin support. The piece measures 9.4 cm in height and 7.5 cm in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

Overview

The work is a tin portrait depicting a woman with dark hair, dressed in a black gown trimmed with white lace. A substantial orange‑and‑white fur drapes over her right shoulder, and the backdrop is rendered in a subdued green hue, indicating a formal, courtly presentation.

Context

Mary, born a princess of the House of Orange, married William III of England, linking the Dutch Republic and the English throne. Portraits such as this served diplomatic and dynastic functions, reinforcing alliances and presenting the consort’s image to both courts.

Portret Marii Kazimiery de la Grange d'Arquien Sobieskiej, zwanej Marysieńką (1641-1716), królowej Polski, żony Jana III Sobieskiego
Portret Marii Kazimiery de la Grange d'Arquien Sobieskiej, zwanej Marysieńką (1641-1716), królowej Polski, żony Jana III Sobieskiego, Daniel Schultz

Artist & collection

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.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III?

Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III?

Portrait of Mary, Princess of Orange, Consort of William III is associated with Dutch Golden Age.