Allegory on the Memory of Stadholder Frederik Hendrik (1584-1647), with a Portrait of his Widow, Amalia of Solms-Braunfels (1602-1675)

Frederik Hendrik had been dead a number of years when Amalia of Solms commissioned this painting from Govert Flinck. She nonetheless had herself portrayed in full mourning, sitting by his tomb. Amalia’s future was uncertain at this time; after the death of Frederik Hendrik, the so-called First Stadholderless Period had begun, and it seemed as if the dominance of the House of Orange had come to an end. There was, however, a glimmer of hope for the dynasty: the figure with the anchor personifies hope, and even holds a sprig of orange blossom.

Amalia, Hope and Flinck’s faith was rewarded – when William V inherited the painting a century later, the House of Orange was still firmly in charge.