King William III

Sitterback to top

• King William III (1650-1702), Reigned 1689-1702. Sitter associated with 139 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Cornelius Johnson (1593-1661), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 133 portraits, Sitter associated with 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Born at the Hague, William III was the posthumous son of the Stadholder William II. His youth was passed under the shadow of Republican ascendancy, since his father's bid for personal power had provoked a strong reaction. He became a proficient student of languages, growing up frugal, temperate and reserved, though capable of deep devotion, as, for instance, to his faithful Bentinck. In 1688 he accepted the invitation of seven leading Englishmen to set sail for this country to preserve Protestant liberties. Ruling jointly with his wife Mary, he showed great magnanimity to his enemies, and considerable skill in making the best of the English political situation, though he experienced much opposition to his rule. The portrait of William on which this copy is based was painted in Holland when the future king was seven.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 322
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 663