The Union of Utrecht

Presentation of the Charter of the Union of Utrecht to Prince William of Orange, by J.D. Odevaere, 1814/15. This painting is a study for a large canvas which the Bruges artist Odevaere (1776-1830) was commissioned to paint by King William I. It alludes to the historical unity of North and South under the House of Orange. In January 1579 a number of northern provinces signed a treaty of alliance against Spain. Later, this Union was recognised as the cornerstone of the Republic. During the unification of North and South under William I the significance of the Union grew. Since some of the southern provinces had signed the treaty, the Union came to symbolise the ties between North and South. However, the role attributed by the artist to Prince William of Orange is incorrect. The document was never presented to the Prince. He had strong reservations about the text and only acquiesced to the treaty months after it had been signed.