Willem Bentinck van Rhoon, copy after J.E. Liotard (c. 1755-1756). The Dutch aristocrat Bentinck (1704-1774) played an important part in gaining William IV's appointment in all the country's provinces. As an advisor, he exercised a major influence on the stadholder's policies, especially on foreign affairs. After the death of William IV in 1751 Bentinck was forced into the background by the advisors of Princess-Regent Anna.