Dutch School 18th Century

Hervormde Diakonie Weeshuis, Franeker, during the 18th century (according to inscriptions on the reverses); In the Collection of Dr C.J.K. van Aalst, Hoevelaken.

The series begins with the founder of the Dutch Republic, William the Silent, Prince of Orange (1533-1584), followed by his son Maurits, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1567-1625) and nephew, William Ludwig, Duke of Nassau-Dillenburg and later Stadholder of Friesland (1560-1620), who are both portrayed wearing an orange sash (a military symbol designed in their family's colour). The fourth portrait is of Stadholder Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1584-1647), who is shown wearing an embroidered jacket, perhaps a reflection of his era of relative peace. The fifth portrait is of William II, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1626-1650), who was married to Princess Mary Stuart I, daughter of King Charles I of England. The next portrait in the series depicts William III, the first King of Orange-Nassau (1650-1702), who became King of England and Scotland in 1688 following his marriage to Mary Stuart II, daughter of King James II of England. The last of the series depicts their nephew, William Charles Henry Friso, called William IV, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1711-1751).

There was strong demand for series of portraits of the Princes of Orange in Holland during the 18th century, which were often painted for Dutch institutions. According to inscriptions on the reverse, the present group were hung in the Reformed Deacony Orphanage at Franeker in the northern province of Friesland, an area well known for its support of the Dutch Royal House.