Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen, prins en prinses van Oranje-Nassau 1787

This un-dated silver pendant depicting Willem V and Wilhelmina of Prussia, Prince and Princess of Orange-Nassau, was made by Johan George Holtzhey. This particular portrait miniature is part of a long history of finely wrought metalwork intended to signify wealth, status, and dynastic power. Look closely and you'll see that the pendant features the conjoined profiles of the Prince and Princess, surrounded by inscribed text. Holtzhey would have likely employed techniques such as die-striking or casting to achieve this level of detail in the metal. The silver itself, with its inherent sheen and malleability, would have been carefully worked to capture the likenesses of the royal couple. The piece operates within a system of value, where the precious material and skilled craftsmanship combine to create an object of considerable worth. While appearing small in scale, it represents a complex convergence of aesthetics, craftsmanship, and social status that transcends simple utility, making it a fascinating object of study.