18th Century Dutch Painted Horse Hoof Bottle Depicting Fredrick Henry Prince of Orange
Item #CC-0819 | 18th Century Dutch Painted Horse Hoof Bottle Depicting Fredrick Henry Prince of Orange
Origin: Holland or Belgium
Date of Manufacture: Circa 1700-1750
Type: Short neck horse hoof
Dimensions: 5″ tall x 3.5″ wide base
Condition: Excellent with a few minor paint chips
Description: This is a very rare Dutch hand blown bottle known as a short neck horse hoof. Bottles like this held a variety of contents including, liqueurs, oils, vinegar, and a wide range of pharmaceuticals. The fact that this bottle has survived for over 300 years and traveled from Europe unbroken or cracked is nothing short of a miracle. Bottles like this were often decorated by Dutch painters with floral motifs, landscapes, or to commemorate naval or military victories, honor dignitaries and heroes, and a wide variety of other artwork. What makes bottles like these so valuable and collectible is their subject matter, quality of painting, and state of preservation.
On the front side of this bottle is displayed a portrait of Frederick Henry or Frederik Hendrik Prince of Orange (29 January 1584 – 14 March 1647) with the date “1625” painted above his portrait. On the back side of the bottle is a red lion rampart on a golden shield, which represents the arms of the Dutch republic and specifically the province of Holland.
A red lion rampant is a significant symbol in 17th century Dutch heraldry. It describes a lion standing upright on one or both hind legs. Its forelegs are raised, claws unsheathed, as if ready to strike. The lion is typically shown in profile, facing left (dexter), with a fierce expression. This posture conveys:
1) Courage and readiness for battle.
2) Royal authority and sovereignty.
3) Defiance and strength, especially in the context of resistance or independence.
Frederick was the sovereign prince of Orange and stadtholder (steward) of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel in the Dutch Republic. Born in Delft six months before the assassination of his father, William the Silent, Frederick Henry was the youngest son of Louise de Coligny and heir to a legacy of resistance against Spanish rule. Trained in military strategy by his elder half-brother Maurice of Nassau, Frederick Henry inherited the stadtholderates of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Overijssel, and Guelders upon Maurice’s death in 1625. He also assumed the roles of captain-general and admiral-general of the Union, commanding both the Dutch army and navy.
Military Achievements and Strategic Brilliance
Frederick Henry’s military leadership was defined by a series of decisive sieges and territorial gains that weakened Spanish control and bolstered Dutch independence:
- The siege of Grol (1627): A successful campaign that demonstrated his tactical acumen.
- The siege of ‘s-Hertogenbosch (1629): His most celebrated victory, overcoming formidable water defenses and a seasoned Spanish garrison. This earned him the title stedendwinger (“city forcer”).
- The siege of Maastricht (1632): Further expanded Dutch control in the southern provinces even though sovereignty over the territory was to be shared with the prince-bishops of Liège.
- The capture of Breda (1637): A strategic stronghold reclaimed from Spanish hands.
- Sieges of Sas van Gent (1644) and Hulst (1645): Final military triumphs that solidified Dutch dominance.
His campaigns were often coordinated with France, forming a powerful alliance against Spain. However, in his final years, Frederick Henry prioritized a separate peace with Spain, laying the groundwork for the Treaty of Münster (1648), which formally recognized Dutch independence.
Legacy and Death
Frederick Henry died in The Hague on 14 March 1647, shortly before the signing of the Treaty of Münster. He was buried with great ceremony beside his father and brother in Delft. His widow, Amalia of Solms-Braunfels, commissioned the Oranjezaal—a grand painted ballroom celebrating his life and achievements.
His only surviving son, William II, succeeded him, and his lineage continued through his grandson, William III, who would later become King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Frederick Henry’s legacy endures as a masterful commander and visionary leader who helped shape the Dutch Republic into a sovereign and prosperous state. His era remains a defining chapter in the Netherlands’ journey toward independence and cultural greatness.
For more detailed information on the life and history of Frederick Henry Prince of Orange, visit: Frederick Henry Prince of Orange
For more detailed information on the Eighty Years War and the role Frederick Henry played in it, visit: The Eighty Years War – Wikipedia
