Portret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 1670 - 1709

This is a portrait of Willem III, Prince of Orange, made by Philibert Bouttats. It features a young man framed in an oval, his presence meticulously etched into the print’s surface. Notice how the composition centers on the contrast between the soft textures of his hair and lace collar, against the rigid, polished armor. The artist uses line and shading to define form. The detailed engraving creates a sense of depth, drawing us into the gaze of the subject. The choice of this style, with its emphasis on realistic detail and symbolic elements, speaks to the complex interplay of power and representation. How does this structured presentation shape our reading of the prince, caught between the demands of leadership and the vulnerabilities of youth? The artistic language employed here invites us to reflect on how identity is carefully constructed through visual signs.