Portret van Christian Albrecht hertog van Holstein-Gottorp en bisschop van Lübeck 1664

Richard Collin made this portrait of Christian Albrecht, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp and Bishop of Lübeck with engraving. The image presents a figure embodying power through both religious and secular authority. Collin, working in the 17th century, captures Albrecht in a way that speaks volumes about the social and political structures of the time. The gleaming armor and cannon are visual codes for military strength, while his ducal title signifies noble lineage and territorial control. The bishopric indicates a powerful position within the church; the image suggests how these spheres of influence were often intertwined. To understand fully the image’s meaning we might delve into historical accounts of the period and institutional records. The historian's role is crucial in unpacking the complex layers of meaning embedded within the artwork. Art is contingent on its social and institutional context.