The Orangerie; or the Dutch Cupid, James Gillray, 1796

The Orangerie; or the Dutch Cupid, James Gillray, 1796

etching, h 255mm × w 355mm More details

On 18 January 1795, Stadtholder William V fled the advancing French army for England. His escape was well prepared. Eighteen coaches packed with valuables were lined up on Scheveningen beach to be taken aboard. According to the English scandal sheets, the stadtholder filled his years in exile with amorous adventures. This print shows him resting after his labours, amid orange trees heavy with fruit.