Smart and savvy, German-born Amalia of the House of Solms (1602–1675) came to the Dutch court in The Hague as lady-in-waiting to the exiled Queen Elizabeth Stuart of Bohemia. Queen Elizabeth’s younger half-brother Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, was smitten with Amalia. But she was ambitious and pragmatic—she knew better than to become his lover, insisting on marriage instead. 

This carved rock-crystal portrait is the counterpart to a portrait of Frederik Hendrik commemorating the pair’s marriage in 1625. Amalia wears the costly strands of pearls, gem-set brooch, and floral hairpin that were wedding presents from Frederik Hendrik to his bride. Together, they brought international elegance and splendor to the court in The Hague.

The same year the portraits were made, Frederik Hendrik was elected Stadholder (administrator and military leader) of most of the Dutch Republic. Amalia became his trusted political advisor. When he was ill the last seven years of his life, she effectively took over for him as leader, negotiating and making political decisions on his behalf.

See the portrait of Frederik Hendrik here. 

The Netherlands, Plaque with Marriage Portrait of Amalia van Solms. Carved and polished rock crystal in modern gold frame, about 1625–26. Diameter: 4 11/16 in. (11.9 cm). Purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott, 1959.101. On view in Gallery 22. 

Image Description: This is a relief-carved clear rock-crystal portrait bust of a woman in a round gold frame. The woman faces to her right (our left) in a three-quarter pose. She wears elaborate seventeenth-century clothing, including a wide ruff collar and feathers in her curled hair.