Portret van Johan van der Does, heer van Noordwijk 1682

This print of Johan van der Does, lord of Noordwijk, was made by Nicolas de Larmessin in the Dutch Republic, sometime in the late 17th century. It is interesting to consider the cultural meanings of the fashions that are on display here. Van der Does’s fur-lined cloak is one example. In this period, wearing fur was not only a marker of status and wealth but also of civic responsibility. Fur garments were often gifted to officials as tokens of respect, indicating their dedication to the interests of the community. The elaborate ruff around the neck and the carefully groomed facial hair would also have carried social significance. What we see here is a system of visual codes that would have been legible to the Dutch public. By studying prints like this alongside other historical sources such as costume inventories and donation records, we can begin to understand the complex relationship between portraiture, power, and social status in the Dutch Golden Age.