Prince’s Day celebrated the birthday of William III of Orange-Nassau, born on 14 November 1650, with the characters in the painting drinking, eating and feasting in his honour. Why this took place is explained on the sheet of paper in the foreground, in the centre of the composition. It translates as follows: “For the health of the boy of Naassau, in one hand a rapier, and in the other a cup cheerfully raised”. This would raise the spirits of those revellers where the portrait of the prince dominates the scene from the top of the room.
Collection: Images
Project: 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe., 5. Power and powers in the history of Europe: oligarchies, political participation and democracy.
Chronology: XVII
Scope: Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University
Link: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/SK-A-384
Resource type: Image
Format: Oil on panel (46 x 62,5 cm)
Source: Rijksmuseum (Ámsterdam)
Language: English
Date: 1660-79
Owner: Álvaro Romero González (Modernalia)
Identifier: SK-A-384
Copyright: Rijksmuseum (Ámsterdam)
Abstract: Indoor celebration of the birthday of Prince Wilhelm II of Nasau, born in 1650
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