Illustratie voor deel 2 van 'Wilhem de Derde

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Romeyn de Hooghe (1645–1708), a masterful Dutch Baroque artist and engraver, created this etching in 1700 as an for part 2 of *Wilhem de Derde*, a publication celebrating William III of Orange-Nassau. As Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic and King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, William a pivotal figure during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, amid the Nine Years' War and the looming War of the Spanish Succession. De Hoog dynamic compositions often served propagandistic purposes, glorifying Dutch power and William's leadership through intricate, narrative scenes that captured the era's political fervor. This small etching (177 × 125 mm) exemplifies de Hooghe's virtuosity in the medium, where acid etches fine lines into a metal plate for detailed, reproducible prints ideal for book illustrations. His Baroque style shines in dramatic contrasts, expressive figures, and meticulous textures, making complex historical events vivid and accessible. Such works bridged fine art and popular culture, disseminating heroic imagery to a wide audience during the Dutch Golden Age's twilight. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228, this piece boasts esteemed provenance, linking it to discerning 19th- or 20th-century connoisseurs. It offers a window into how art fueled national identity and royal legacy in an age of upheaval.

About the Artist

Romeyn de Hooghe · 1645–1708

Romeyn de Hooghe (1645-1708) was a Dutch Baroque engraver, draughtsman, and political satirist who became the most prolific and versatile graphic artist of the Dutch Republic in the late seventeenth century. Born in Amsterdam, he rose to become one of early modern Europe's most important printmakers and a pioneering master of political satire. De Hooghe's significance extends far beyond his techn...