Portrait of Anna van Hannover (1709-59). Wife of Prince Willem IV c. 1735 - 1745

Philip van Dijk painted this miniature portrait of Anna van Hannover in the 18th century, using oil on ivory, encased in a golden frame. Think about the artist’s practiced hand, carefully layering translucent glazes, using tiny brushes to capture the likeness of a royal figure. This wasn't just painting; it was a performance of skill, reflecting the value placed on refined artistry during that era. The precious materials, like the ivory support, were meticulously worked. The delicate painting of her features, and the setting of the miniature in gold, all speak to wealth and status. The creation of such an object involved a network of skilled artisans, from the painter to the goldsmith. All this labor and material expense served to further enhance the sitter's prestige. Looking closely, we see how materials, making, and social context converge. This miniature encapsulates not just an image, but a whole world of labor, material, and social standing, challenging any notion of art as separate from craft and society.