Willem George Frederik (Frederik; 1774-99), prins van Oranje-Nassau. Jongste zoon van prins Willem V 1790 - 1800

This is a graphite drawing of Willem George Frederik, Prince of Orange-Nassau, created by Henrik Ploetz. The portrait’s formal qualities, particularly the use of line and the monochromatic palette, invite contemplation on representation and identity. Ploetz masterfully employs graphite to create subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving shape to the prince’s profile. The use of hatching and cross-hatching, especially in the background, adds depth and texture, emphasizing the contrast between the subject and his environment. The composition, a simple profile against a neutral background, highlights the prince's features. There’s an undeniable tension between the formal constraints of portraiture and the desire to capture an individual likeness. The drawing, therefore, becomes an exploration of how representation both reveals and conceals, offering a glimpse into the prince’s persona while adhering to the conventions of his time.