Portret van Christoph I Kreß von Kressenstein 1595 - 1628

Hans Troschel made this small portrait engraving of Christoph I Kreß von Kressenstein sometime in the early 17th century. Note that the engraving states that Kress died in 1535. Portraits such as these, commissioned by or for the family, helped to cement a sense of lineage and noble status in the German lands of the period. Family crests in the corners and lengthy dedicatory text around the oval frame further emphasized this sitter’s position in society. The armor and baton mark him as a military man, while the text indicates he was a counselor to both the Holy Roman Emperor and King. Kress died over half a century before this print was made, so it’s likely that Troschel copied an earlier image. It is interesting to consider the social role of this print – who was it for? What function did it serve? Genealogies of noble families are a good place to start, along with histories of the institutions of the Holy Roman Empire. Considering the conditions of its making and reception helps us better understand the continuing power of the nobility in the 17th century.