Louise Henriette of Nassau

Louise Henriette entered into marriage with the Great Elector of Brandenburg in line with her parents’ wishes, who aimed to help the House of Nassau-Orange achieve European prestige. The Electress had great influence on her husband’s decisions, both political and personal. Louise was also the mother of King Frederick I of Prussia, who cultivated a veritable cult around her. The portrait in warm natural tones shows Louise Henriette seated, her hands crossed in her lap. Her brown-green eyes gaze intently at the viewer. She has an oval face, her shoulder-length chestnut brown curls are held back by a black headband; only a few fine curls fall over her forehead. The portrait subject wears a corset dress in black with puffed sleeves that merge into white blouse sleeves from the elbow upwards. To match this, she has a white shawl around her shoulders, fastened in front of her chest with a brooch. Louise Henriette wears a short pearl necklace around her neck. She has chosen drop-shaped earrings to go with her dress; a narrow gold ring shines on her left little finger.