Portret van Willem V, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1765 - 1792

This is John Greenwood’s portrait of Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, made as a mezzotint. Looking at this image, it’s clear that Greenwood was interested in more than just capturing Willem’s likeness; he's also showing us a very specific vision of power and authority that reflected the social hierarchies of the Dutch Republic. The sash and star, the elaborate wig – these aren’t just decorative; they're visual cues that signal Willem’s status. This work would have circulated among a specific class of people, reinforcing existing social norms and power structures. The art market and the culture of collecting played a crucial role in shaping how art was produced, consumed, and understood. To truly understand this portrait, we need to delve into archives, explore the history of the House of Orange-Nassau, and understand the role of portraiture in 18th-century Dutch society. Art doesn't exist in a vacuum; it’s always a product of its time, shaped by the social, political, and economic forces at play.