Portrait of Hendrik Casimir II (1657-96), Prince of Nassau-Dietz

About this artwork

height 5.7 cm x width 4.3 cm x depth 0.3 cm

Art Historical Context

This exquisite miniature portrait, created by Marie Duchatel around 1690, depicts Hendrik Casimir II (1657–1696), Prince of Nassauietz and a key figure in the House of Orange-Nassau Measuring just 5.1 cm high by 4 cm wide on cardboard—a compact format ideal for personal keepsakes—the artwork captures the young prince during a pivotal era in Dutch history. Hendrik Casimir II served astholder of Friesland Groningen, and Drenthe upholding the influential Orange legacy amid tensions between republican and monarchical factions in the Dutch Republic. Painted on cardboard, an uncommon yet practical medium for miniatures of the late Baroque period, Duchatel's work exemplifies the era's fascination with intimate portraiture. These tiny gems were often carried in pocket cases, worn as jewelry, or exchanged among nobility, blending technical precision with emotional closeness. Though little is documented about Duchatel, her skill in rendering fine details on such a diminutive scale highlights the artistry of women miniaturists, who thrived in specialized niches despite limited recognition. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, this portrait offers a window into 17th-century elite culture, where even the smallest artworks symbolized power and prestige. Visitors can marvel at its delicate craftsmanship up close, evoking the personal devotion it once inspired.