Graaf Godfried III met de Bult 1586 - 1587

This engraving of Graaf Godfried III met de Bult was made by Hendrick Goltzius around 1600. It’s a portrait of Godfrey III, Duke of Lower Lorraine, but it also offers a glimpse into the culture of the late 16th century. Goltzius was a master of the burin, and here he uses the technique to create a sense of depth and texture. The Duke is depicted in full armor, carrying a spear and shield. He’s every bit the imposing figure, yet the image also hints at the social and political context in which it was made. The Dutch Republic was a rising power at this time, and art played an important role in shaping its national identity. Prints like this one helped to promote a sense of shared history and culture but also served to codify social hierarchies. To fully understand an image like this, we have to dig into the history of the Dutch Republic, its institutions, and its cultural values. We need to look at who was commissioning these images, and how they were being used. Only then can we begin to understand the complex relationship between art and society.