Graaf Willem III de Goede 1586 - 1587

Curator: We’re standing before an image of “Graaf Willem III de Goede,” or Count William III the Good. Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving sometime between 1586 and 1587. Editor: It's a peculiar work—sort of cramped, really, with this solemn figure battling for space against a text block. There's a story unfolding that feels both public and incredibly personal, boxed in by the edges of the frame. Curator: Exactly. The positioning within the book is crucial. This isn't just an isolated portrait; it’s an image embedded in history, literally surrounded by text that would contextualize the figure. It's also representative of the style from this time in medieval artwork. Editor: History indeed! He cuts a figure, doesn't he? Look at the swagger – that's the best I can describe this pose, even. But at the same time, a hint of weariness hangs on his features. A paradox, maybe? Strong on the surface, yet carrying some world-weariness that can't be faked? Curator: Yes, the engraving itself, as a medium, lent itself to mass distribution. It reinforced established narratives and visually anchored historical claims in early modern Europe. His figure then stands for the narrative power of rulers through this kind of readily-disseminated propaganda. Editor: Well put! I suppose I react on more basic instincts of "man holding shield" but looking at his stance, something suggests a deeper struggle than brute force. Curator: Engravings like this served multiple purposes: commemorative, historical, and even didactic, all wrapped into a single image. Looking at these, it invites a multifaceted engagement with history and power. Editor: It gives a voice, quite literally, to these histories and allows people to connect more deeply. It is more than meets the eye. A person trapped between past and present in all its regal… awkwardness. Curator: An awkwardness made timeless through ink and paper, connecting us across centuries with a ruler both grand and vulnerable. Editor: It’s a compelling visual snapshot that transcends just his face.