Portret van koning Hendrik II 1775 - 1800

This is an anonymous portrait of King Henry II, made with an unknown medium, and housed here at the Rijksmuseum. The portrait's striking contrast immediately commands attention: a dark, polished ground against which the golden figure of the king emerges. The artist has masterfully used the oval shape to frame the monarch, with the inscription "REX. HENRICVS" arching above, literally crowning the portrait. Observe the texture achieved through delicate lines, especially in the king’s hair and beard, giving depth and vitality to the golden surface. This precise detail lends a tactile quality to the image, almost as if the king’s presence could be felt through touch. The cross and crown, symbols of Henry’s power, are not merely decorative; they act as signs that anchor his identity within a structured visual language of royalty and authority. The contrast creates a tension between visibility and concealment, inviting you to consider how identity is constructed and communicated through symbols and aesthetic choices.