Dutch Orange: an Introduction
Color is the most elaborate world phenomenon. It’s touched the lives of every being in our existence and is the root of nearly all subject matters. From science, which started by early humans wondering why things were different colors and shapes, to design, color is intertwined with the thickest strands of history. So, as expected, the stories within color are fascinating. One of these stories is that of a color that holds its roots in a Dutch dynasty, the House of Orange-Nassau.
The House of Orange
Originating from the Principality of Orange, a feudal state that existed in 1163–1713 southern France, the House of Orange-Nassau is the royal dynasty and family of the Netherlands. The principality was incorporated into France in the 18th century, and the city of Orange stands today in southern France. The House of Orange merged with the House of Nassau in 1544, when the existing ruler of the House of Orange, René de Chalon, died and left his estates to his cousin William of Nassau. Prince William I had organized a Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, which led to an independent Dutch state following the Eighty Years’ War and fostered great respect among Dutch citizens. The Kingdom of Orange-Nassau was officially formed in 1815 when Prince William I returned to Holland after the defeat of Napoleon.
In the Third Anglo-Dutch War, the Dutch traveled to the U.S. east coast, where they occupied the land that would become New York City. The Colony of New Netherland, created in 1624, was centered by New Amsterdam, which was named New Orange. In 1664, the colony was captured by the British. Following the Dutch ceding of the city, New Orange was renamed New York (after the Duke of York, who organized the capture).
Dutch Orange
This story is the backbones of the color dutch orange. Dutch orange signifies the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch people, and Dutch culture. As a result, the color is on the original flag of the Netherlands. It’s also featured on the New York City flag to honor the city’s Dutch origins.
There has been a change to the Dutch flag since the original. The most common theory is that the orange stripe was changed due to the inefficiency of old orange pigment. The orange would fade to red over time anyway, so, for sake of ease, the color was changed. Despite the change, orange remains the staple color of Holland.
Introduction to the Publication
This is my favorite story about color. As a combination of art and history (two subjects I love dearly), it astounds me how many color and art concepts are not known by the general public. This publication started as a school project. Though the project has ended, I haven’t stopped researching. As I unravel some of the histories around color, I’ll be updating this publication so that anyone who wants to learn about one of the biggest wonders of the world can join in.
“There’s a reason we don’t see the world in black and white.” (Celerie Kemble)
