Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina (1770-1819). Prinses van Oranje-Nassau. Dochter van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen 1783

De Saint-Ligié painted this portrait of Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina, Princess of Orange-Nassau, using watercolor on ivory. The small scale of the work speaks to its intimacy and function as a personal object. Ivory, derived from elephant tusks, was a prized material for portrait miniatures due to its smooth surface and subtle grain, providing a delicate ground for watercolor. The artist would have painstakingly applied thin washes of color to build up the princess’ likeness. Consider the labor involved in not only the painting process, but also in procuring and preparing the ivory itself. The brass frame, though simple, is an integral part of the object, protecting the delicate artwork within. Miniatures like this one were luxury goods, circulating within elite social circles. The materials, the labor, and the subject all speak to a world of privilege and power. By looking closely at the materials and processes behind this portrait, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural and historical significance.