Willem V (1748-1806), prins van Oranje-Nassau c. 1780

This silhouette portrait, created around 1780 by an anonymous artist, depicts Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, in profile. The piece, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a small, delicate work measuring only 7.7 cm by 6.0 cm. The silhouette is set against a simple ivory background, framed by a black ribbon adorned with a bow, emphasizing the stark contrast between the subject and the background. This iconic form of portraiture, popular in the 18th century, captures the subject's likeness in a simple, yet elegant manner, highlighting the prince's distinguished features.