Ruiterportret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 1670 - 1749

Curator: Here we have "Equestrian Portrait of William III, Prince of Orange", an engraving dating sometime between 1670 and 1749, created by the Monogrammist JCS. Editor: Woah, what a character! The Prince's wig is practically its own ecosystem. There's so much...stuff happening here. It's wonderfully busy. Curator: That’s typical of the Baroque aesthetic; an emphasis on elaborate detail to project power and grandeur. Prints like this were key in disseminating images of rulers throughout Europe. This was image-making as political strategy. Editor: He’s almost floating there, doesn't he? Kind of detached from reality. And the angel up top blasting a trumpet…it’s pure theater! The poor horse looks ready to bolt. Is it me or the horse also appear larger than reality? Curator: Precisely! The horse rears dramatically, another hallmark of Baroque portraiture, meant to convey dynamism and control. These equestrian portraits placed rulers in a lineage of great leaders going back to antiquity, but in this case with particular religious justification of William. Editor: It also appears he is trampling on some weapon below! You know, when you zoom out a little, the whole image, it has this undeniable exuberance to it, like it's bursting at the seams. I can imagine seeing this image and feeling so…hopeful. The baroque element forges new ground, don't you think? Curator: Indeed. Think of the socio-political context; these images bolstered support. The engraving helped William to make his claim on England as much through circulation than any inherent artistic appeal. Also keep in mind its location within the Rijksmuseum today. Editor: Knowing that makes me look at him, his theatrical costume, and his horse totally differently. But also, even now, there’s something inspiring in its boldness. You have to respect that commitment to full-on fabulousness! Curator: It really underscores the power of art in the 17th and 18th centuries. This piece tells a history lesson for the future! Editor: A wild ride through history and art!