Jan Willem Pieneman was one of the most beloved history painters of the 19th century. His specialty was the Dutch history and the heroic deeds of the principal characters in it. He also painted attractive, domestic scenes. In addition to his activities as a painter, Pieneman held many social functions. He was director of the Royal Cabinet (now Mauritshuis) and the Rijksmuseum. His connections gave him many portrait assignments, including King William I.