Portret van Frederik, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1790 - 1819

Benjamin Samuel Bolomey created this print of Frederik, Prince of Orange-Nassau, using etching and engraving techniques. Observe the oval composition which frames the prince. It invites a structured analysis of how the prince's image is presented within carefully designed parameters. Bolomey uses the language of portraiture to convey status, yet the softness of the etching lends a degree of intimacy, blurring the lines between public image and private persona. The detailed rendering of his attire—each button and braid—speaks to the formal conventions of royal portraiture. Simultaneously, the prince's direct gaze engages us, suggesting a dialogue that transcends the constraints of representation. This piece invites us to consider how portraiture, as a medium, is not merely representational but also a carefully constructed set of signs and symbols that reinforce cultural and societal hierarchies. The oval shape, for example, could be interpreted as a subtle nod to classical ideals. By engaging with the visual and semiotic elements, we can begin to deconstruct the meanings embedded within this formal portrait.