Vintage hand painted miniature picture depicting Holland painted on a tile in the style of delph ware ?
8 cm square 
Some age related wear ( small amounts of paint missing from top reflected in price) displayed with other pictures for sale separately lovely decorative frame 
The history of "Holland" is actually the history of the Netherlands, a region with Roman and Germanic roots that became a powerful maritime nation in the 17th century during its Golden Age. After independence from Spanish rule during the Eighty Years' War, the Netherlands expanded its empire and wealth but declined in the 18th century. The Napoleonic era led to its temporary absorption by France before becoming the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815, later losing Belgium. Following a devastating World War II occupation and the subsequent loss of its colonies, the Netherlands developed into a modern welfare state and founding member of the European Union.  
Ancient and Medieval Roots
Roman Era: The region, initially inhabited by Celtic and Germanic tribes, became a militarized border zone of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC, experiencing prosperity under Roman rule. 
Post-Roman Era: With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the area was dominated by Germanic peoples. The Franks spread Christianity, and by the 9th century, it was part of Charlemagne's empire. 
Fragmented Rule: The region was later part of Lower Lotharingia within the Holy Roman Empire, a complex patchwork of lordships like Holland, Brabant, and Friesland, rather than a unified state. 
Burgundian & Habsburg Rule: In the 15th century, the Dukes of Burgundy unified much of the territory, followed by the Austrian House of Habsburg. 
The Dutch Republic and Golden Age 
Dutch Revolt: In the 16th century, religious and political tensions led to the Dutch Revolt (Eighty Years' War) against Spanish Catholic rule. 
Independence: The northern provinces united to form the United Provinces, declaring independence in 1581. 
Golden Age (17th Century): The province of Holland, a center of commerce, became the dominant power, leading to a flourishing economy, global trade, scientific advancements, and a rich artistic heritage. 
Decline and Modern Era
18th-Century Decline: The Netherlands' power waned due to conflicts with powerful European neighbors like Britain and France. 
French Domination: The French Revolution led to the creation of the Batavian Republic, and later Napoleon established a satellite Kingdom of Holland before annexing it into the French Empire. 
Kingdom of the Netherlands: After Napoleon's defeat, the United Kingdom of the Netherlands was created but soon lost Belgium, which revolted and gained independence in 1830. 
World War II: The country was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany, enduring severe starvation during the war and the Holocaust. 
Post-War and Modernity: The post-war period saw the rapid decolonization of the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), the establishment of a welfare state, and the Netherlands becoming a founding member of NATO and the EU. 
Holland vs. The Netherlands 
Clarification: While "Holland" is often used informally for the whole country, it officially refers to a geographical region within the Netherlands, which was historically the dominant economic and political force. The name became associated with the entire nation due to this prominent province