Meeting of the VOC Directors with Prince William V, Amsterdam 1768
€ 410
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1768
Sheet size
31.5 × 43 cm (12.4 × 16.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13786-7
Condition
Good condition with minor toning to edges and handling creases in margins. The engraving is slightly wavy with minor cockling, as typical for its age. Strong plate impression with fine detail preserved. No tears or repairs.
About this sheet
Meeting of the VOC Directors with Prince William V, Amsterdam 1768 This impressive 18th-century engraving depicts a historical meeting of the directors of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) with Prince William V of Orange at the VOC chambers in Amsterdam on June 3rd, 1768. The engraving shows a grand interior with a large table surrounded by over twenty directors in formal attire and powdered wigs, while Prince William V sits prominently at the head of the table, accompanied by high-ranking officials. The detailed architectural setting features large windows, draped curtains, an elaborate fireplace with paintings above, and numerous framed maps and maritime scenes on the walls, emphasising the VOC’s global trade dominance.
At the lower margin, the caption reads: "De Zittingneeming Zyner Doorluchtige Hoogheid Willem den Vijfden als Opper-Bewindhebber der O.I. Comp te Amsterdam, op den 3den Juny, 1768," which translates as "The session of His Serene Highness William V as Chief Director of the East India Company at Amsterdam on June 3rd, 1768."
This engraving documents an important ceremonial event when Prince William V formally took his seat as governor-general of the VOC, which at the time was the world's most powerful trading company, managing vast colonies and trade networks throughout Asia. The artist captures not only the likenesses and gestures of the directors but also the grandeur of the VOC’s Amsterdam headquarters, reflecting their wealth and influence during the Dutch Golden Age and beyond.
Condition report: Good condition with minor toning to edges and handling creases in margins. The engraving is slightly wavy with minor cockling, as typical for its age. Strong plate impression with fine detail preserved. No tears or repairs.
Framing tips: Frame in a simple dark wood or ebonised moulding with a cream or pale grey mount to highlight its rich architectural and historical detail. Suitable for office, study, library, or maritime history collections, especially those focused on Dutch colonial history, VOC heritage, and 18th-century European trading empires.
