Exploitation for Decoration
These portrait medallions were created in the 17th century by the Englishman John Osborn. He was specialized in working with baleen, which is the keratinous material found in whale mouths.
THE MAKING OF THE PORTRAITS
The figures depicted are the stadtholders Maurits and Frederik Hendrik van Oranje, along with Frederik Hendrik’s wife, Amalia van Solms. These were all influential figures of their time.
Baleen waste piece, eighteenth century. (Collection, Afdeling Archeologie BMA/Amsterdams Historisch Museum. Photograph, Anneke Dekker, AAC)
Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt [atelier], Portrets of Frederik Hendrik en Amalia van Solms, ca. 1634
Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt, Portret van Maurits ca. 1613-20