The Union of Utrecht — Joseph-Denis Odevaere

Joseph-Denis Odevaere. Painted 1815-06-25 - 1830-02-09.

Presentation of the Charter of the Union of Utrecht to Prince William of Orange, by J.D. Odevaere, 1814/15. This painting is a study for a large canvas which the Bruges artist Odevaere (1776-1830) was commissioned to paint by King William I. It alludes to the historical unity of North and South under the House of Orange. In January 1579 a number of northern provinces signed a treaty of alliance against Spain. Later, this Union was recognised as the cornerstone of the Republic. During the unification of North and South under William I the significance of the Union grew. Since some of the southern provinces had signed the treaty, the Union came to symbolise the ties between North and South. However, the role attributed by the artist to Prince William of Orange is incorrect. The document was never presented to the Prince. He had strong reservations about the text and only acquiesced to the treaty months after it had been signed.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

oil paint (paint), panel · Original size: 54.5 × 40.2 cm

Print: 54.5 × 40.2 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20056546. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.