Portrait of Blasius von Holzhausen (1481-1525) 1523

Hans Abel II painted this portrait of Blasius von Holzhausen sometime in the early 16th century. Holzhausen, a member of a prominent Frankfurt family, is captured here against a stark blue background. The portrait provides a window into the social and political landscape of Renaissance Germany. Holzhausen's attire and accoutrements—the heavy gold chain, the signet ring, and the fur-lined coat—speak to his status and wealth. His confident gaze and posture suggest a man of power and influence within his community. Yet, there's also a certain stoicism in his expression, perhaps hinting at the weight of responsibility that came with his position. Portraits like these played a crucial role in shaping identities and preserving legacies, offering a glimpse into the lives and values of individuals who navigated a world undergoing profound transformation. It makes you wonder what he would think of us looking at his image, centuries later.