After Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt
1567 – 1641
Ref: EFA0010
A portrait of Prince Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange 1584 - 1647, half-length and wearing full armour and fine lace collar.
Circa 1645
Oil on Panel
Presented in a Dutch ripple frame.
24 1/4 x 19.1/2 inches
62 x 50.4 cm
1567 – 1641
Ref: EFA0010
A portrait of Prince Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange 1584 - 1647, half-length and wearing full armour and fine lace collar.
Circa 1645
Oil on Panel
Presented in a Dutch ripple frame.
24 1/4 x 19.1/2 inches
62 x 50.4 cm
1567 – 1641
Ref: EFA0010
A portrait of Prince Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange 1584 - 1647, half-length and wearing full armour and fine lace collar.
Circa 1645
Oil on Panel
Presented in a Dutch ripple frame.
24 1/4 x 19.1/2 inches
62 x 50.4 cm
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
He was a Dutch baroque painter. He began his studies with Willem Willensz and Augustijn. At first he devoted himself to engraving and still life painting but eventually specialised in portraiture. He was sponsored by royalty in many countries, especially in the Netherlands.
His portraits were characterised by their classic and linear style but with great skill for realistic detail and handling of light. Mierevelt had a large number of disciples who executed the replicas of his best works which, together with his extensive production, guaranteed his success. He was the official portrait painter to the House of Orange-Nassau, and at the same time he enrolled as an independent master in the guild of painters.
ABOUT THE SUBJECT:
Frederick Henry was the sovereign Prince of Orange and statesman of the United Provinces of the Netherlands. He was the son of William I and Louise de Coligny. Frederick Henry's long reign was marked by military campaigns, prosperity, and successful strategies that generated great military and naval triumphs and global trade expansion. Later, his grandson, William of Orange, became King of England (1689-1702), and his son, William II, married the eldest daughter of King Charles I of England, the Royal Princess Mary.
This is a fine period version of the original which is located in Ashdown House Berkshire and is comparable in style, size and quality. Ashdown House was built in the early 1660s for the 1st Earl of Craven. Legend has it that it was built during the London plague as a refuge for Elizabeth of Bohemia, to whom Craven was devoted.
In this work, the artist has portrayed Prince Frederick Henry in his costume as a leading soldier in the Dutch Wars against Spain. The technicality of his armour and clothing stands out, especially for the impressive level of detail in the ornaments. The golden decoration of the clothes is one of the most outstanding elements in the composition since its function is to highlight the power and wealth of Federico Enrique.
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