Medaillonportret van stadhouder Willem III (1650-1702) 1686

This is Jean Mansel’s ivory portrait of William III, likely made in the Netherlands around 1686. Ivory, a precious material, immediately suggests wealth and status. But this isn't just about celebrating an individual; it reflects the complex political landscape of the Dutch Republic. William, as Prince of Orange, was a key figure in Dutch politics, and later King of England. Note the lion at the bottom. The lion was a symbol of Dutch resistance against Spanish rule. The inscription surrounding the portrait reinforces William's titles and claims to power. The medallion format itself evokes classical Roman portraiture, associating William with the power and authority of past empires. Historical archives, political pamphlets, and even personal letters from the period would help us better understand the social and political climate that shaped Mansel's work. By understanding that historical context, we start to grasp how even a small portrait like this one could participate in the making of political power.