Willem I (1772-1843), King of the Netherlands 1815 - 1816

Charles Howard Hodges created this portrait of Willem I, King of the Netherlands, with oil on panel. Observe the composition, dominated by the King's head and shoulders, tightly framed within an oval. This choice intensifies our focus on his face, a study in subtle tones and delicate brushwork. The limited palette, primarily muted whites, blacks, and flesh tones, lends a sense of reserved dignity befitting royalty. Hodges's technique employs soft gradations to model the King's features, achieving a likeness that is both idealized and human. The formal structure—the carefully balanced asymmetry of the pose, the play of light and shadow—evokes a sense of stability, mirroring the King's position as a figure of authority during a period of political restructuring in Europe. The portrait thus operates on several levels: as a representation of power, a study in painterly technique, and a reflection of the values of its time.