Frederika Sophia Wilhelmina of Prussia (1751-1820). Wife of Prince Willem V, in the Temple of the Arts 1760 - 1790

Curator: Ah, such delicate tones! This is “Frederika Sophia Wilhelmina of Prussia in the Temple of the Arts.” It’s a watercolor and gouache painting, done with colored pencil, sometime between 1760 and 1790, by Benjamin Samuel Bolomey. It hangs here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My initial impression is one of utter theatricality. It's a stage! She is at center stage surrounded by allegorical figures. The pale colors and classical setting, all seem to elevate Frederika Sophia Wilhelmina into something beyond mere royalty. Curator: Exactly! It is allegorical, a sort of celebration of the princess through artistic symbolism. We have painting represented, of course, and music with the woman playing the lyre and the keyboard. Editor: Note also the artist off to the side capturing it all, frozen in mid-stroke, in awe. What is the cherubic cluster representing? Is that wisdom crowning her with flowers? Or just cupids playing up to her virtues? Curator: I think it’s about the Muses and perhaps also some personifications of her virtues as a patron of the arts and sciences, a neoclassical ode to the princess and her dedication to the enlightenment ideals. See how this fits perfectly within the academic and Rococo styles? It’s as if she embodies both grandeur and elegance, which were incredibly fashionable in those days. Editor: Right, that explains a lot about the composition—the use of symbols of virtues, all framing this powerful female figure… How different is this compared to royal portraits where power is symbolized with military grandeur and territorial possessions? Curator: Immensely! It's such a clear marker of evolving tastes. A focus on sophistication and learning as symbols of status rather than dominion by birthright. Almost like a gentle push to suggest power by virtue of personality. Editor: Indeed. There's such a fascinating story woven into every detail of this piece. One could ponder the implications for hours! I see a clear intent for crafting this woman's symbolic power through virtue and artistic patronage. Curator: The real beauty of these pieces, after all, resides in sparking these musings. Editor: Quite, letting these past portraits invite present conversations. It reveals such nuances and shifting self-conceptions.