Haag, Tethart Philip Christian – Frederika Sophia Wilhelmina van Pruisen (1751-1820). Echtgenote van prins Willem V, te paard, 1789 Rijksmuseum: part 2

Here we observe a portrait depicting a woman mounted on horseback. The composition is dominated by the figure and her steed, positioned diagonally across the canvas, suggesting movement and dynamism. The horse, rendered in warm brown tones with meticulous attention to musculature and detail, appears to be mid-stride, its hooves raised slightly from the ground. It wears a decorative adornment between its ears, hinting at status or occasion.
The woman is dressed in elaborate attire characteristic of late 18th-century fashion. A pale blue coat, likely silk or a similar luxurious material, drapes elegantly over her form, accentuated by a white waistcoat and a high-collared shirt with delicate lace detailing. The feathered hat, perched atop her head, further emphasizes the opulence of her presentation. Her posture is upright and dignified; she holds the reins firmly but with an air of composure.
The background is less detailed, consisting primarily of a cloudy sky and a distant cityscape punctuated by a prominent church spire. This backdrop serves to isolate the subject and draw focus onto her presence. The muted colors of the landscape contrast with the vibrancy of the woman’s clothing, further enhancing her visual prominence.
Subtly embedded within this portrait are indications of power and authority. The equestrian motif itself carries historical connotations of nobility and military prowess. A woman depicted on horseback was a deliberate statement, challenging conventional representations of femininity that often confined women to domestic spheres. The grandeur of the attire and the carefully orchestrated pose suggest a personage of considerable social standing.
The artist’s choice to depict her in motion, rather than in a static pose, implies an active role, perhaps suggesting agency or involvement in affairs beyond the purely ceremonial. The distant cityscape, with its church spire rising above the horizon, could be interpreted as symbolizing stability and tradition, anchoring the subject within a specific cultural context. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of controlled elegance and understated power, presenting a carefully constructed image designed to project an aura of status and authority.