Portret van koning Filips II van Spanje 1546 - 1562

This is a print of King Philip II of Spain, made by Frans Huys sometime in the mid-16th century. This image is a window into the political theater of the time, and the careful crafting of royal image and authority. Note the heraldic shield, a visual shorthand for lineage, power and legitimacy. The very act of creating and disseminating such images played a crucial role in shaping public perception and reinforcing royal power at a time of religious conflict. Huys and other printmakers worked for publishing houses in Antwerp, which were closely connected to the political powers of the time. The printing press allowed for the wide circulation of these portraits. Understanding the social function of these early prints requires that we go beyond looking at the image alone. Research into the publishing industry, the royal court, and the political climate of the time all help to illuminate the complex meanings embedded within this portrait of a king.