G. Schouten & P. Tanjé, Willem IV and Princess Carolina, Engraving, 1730s

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Willem iv and princess carolina – antique dutch engraving c.1730 : this elegant antique engraving portrays willem (william iv, prince … Read more Willem iv and princess carolina – antique dutch engraving c.1730 : this elegant antique engraving portrays willem (william iv, prince of orange) and his sister carolina of orange-nassau as children, in an allegorical composition rich in classical symbolism. Willem is depicted wearing a plumed helmet with a medallion showing a figure of athena, emphasising his princely status and future role as stadtholder. He holds a shield featuring the coat of arms of the house of orange-nassau. Beside him, carolina is seated holding an orb and olive branch, traditional emblems of sovereignty and peace, while wearing a draped regal robe. Both are framed within a richly decorated cartouche with fruits, flowers, and a large open bible inscribed ‘biblia sacra’ at the top, evoking moral virtue and dynastic legitimacy. The engraving was published by the societas bibliopolarum rotterodamensis (booksellers' society of rotterdam) as indicated along the bottom margin, with artists named as g. Schouten delineavit (draughtsman) and p. Tanjé sculpsit (engraver). Pieter tanjé (1706-1761) was a prolific dutch engraver known for his finely executed portraits and book illustrations, active primarily in amsterdam and rotterdam in the mid-18th century. William iv (1711-1751) became the first hereditary stadtholder of all the united provinces in 1747, marking an important constitutional shift in dutch governance. Princess carolina of orange-nassau (1743-1787) was known for her political influence and marriage into the german nobility, strengthening european dynastic ties. This print thus commemorates their youth in an idealised representation suited for princely collections and publications celebrating the house of orange. Condition report: good condition overall. Light age-toning to margins, slight corner creases and minimal foxing in outer edges, not affecting the engraved area. Excellent strong impression with clear detail. Framing tips: frame this engraving in a classic black or dark walnut moulding with an off-white or cream mount to enhance its rich baroque tones. For an elegant period feel, consider an antique gold frame to complement its royal subject matter and decorative style. See less