Prince’s Day, Jan Havicksz. Steen, 1660 - 1679

Prince’s Day, Jan Havicksz. Steen, 1660 - 1679

oil on panel, h 46cm × w 62.5cm More details

Prince’s Day! This popular feast-day celebrated the birthday (14 November 1650) of Prince William III of Orange-Nassau. How this was done is explained on the piece of paper on the floor in the middle foreground. This translates as: ‘To the health of the Nassau laddie, in one hand a rapier, and in the other a glass raised gladly.’ This is sure to boost spirits; the revellers take no notice of the portrait of the prince ‘overlooking’ the scene.

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