Portret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 1688 - 1709

This is Jan Verkolje’s mezzotint portrait of William III, Prince of Orange. It was made sometime between 1673 and 1693, a turbulent era marked by political and religious conflict in Europe. William, a central figure in these conflicts, became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1689. Look closely and you'll see the intricate details of his royal attire and the symbols of power, like the crown he presents towards us. What’s striking is the way Verkolje navigates representation and identity. The portrait is undoubtedly a celebration of William's power and status, yet there's an undeniable vulnerability in his gaze, which softens the traditionally stoic representation of royalty. The tension between public image and private self is palpable, and it encourages us to think about the complexities inherent in portraying figures of authority during a period of immense social and political change. This work captures a moment in time, but it also speaks to the universal experience of navigating identity within the confines of societal expectations.