Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau, met zijn vrouw Frederika Sophia Wilhelmina van Pruisen en hun kinderen Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina, Willem Frederik en Willem George Frederik 1779

Pieter le Sage made this portrait in pastel of Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, with his wife and children. It's a window into the domestic life of the Dutch aristocracy. The image speaks volumes about the values of the Dutch ruling class at the time. The family is presented as a unit, emphasizing dynastic continuity and stability. The clothing and hairstyles reflect the height of late 18th-century fashion, while the interior setting indicates wealth and status. This was a time when the Dutch Republic was in decline, facing internal political divisions and external pressures from other European powers. The House of Orange, to which Willem V belonged, was the subject of much political debate, so the image can be seen as an attempt to reinforce the legitimacy and appeal of the ruling family. To understand this work better, we can study the history of the House of Orange, the social customs of the Dutch elite, and the political pamphlets of the period. By understanding the history, we can grasp the meanings of this artwork and its role in shaping public opinion.