Portrait of William III (1650-1702), prince of Orange. From 1689 on king of England 1689 - 1719

Benjamin Arlaud painted this miniature portrait of William III in enamel on copper, sometime around the early 18th century. Enamelwork, with its origins in ancient metalworking traditions, was a painstaking process. The artist would have applied thin layers of colored glass powder, firing the piece after each layer to build up the image. This required great skill, as the colors could change during firing, and the copper support could warp under the intense heat. The appeal of enamel miniatures lies in their durability and jewel-like quality. This particular portrait, with its delicate brushwork and vibrant colors, conveys the opulence and status of its sitter. But it also speaks to the painstaking labor involved in its creation, a reminder that even seemingly effortless displays of wealth are often built on unseen work. This piece challenges any clear distinction between art, craft, and industry. The artist was as much a technician as an artist, mastering the material to create a lasting image of power.