Portret van Hendrik V, hertog van Brabant after 1661

This is a portrait of Hendrik V, Duke of Brabant, made by Pieter de Jode II likely in the mid-17th century. The print provides a visual codification of power. Hendrik is framed by an elaborate oval, emphasizing his elevated position in the social hierarchy. Prints like this served as vital tools for disseminating images of rulers across Europe. They offered a means of constructing and reinforcing authority, particularly at a time of shifting political landscapes. Consider the context of the Eighty Years' War, a conflict that shaped the identity of the Netherlands. Prints played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and solidifying national identities during periods of conflict. The Rijksmuseum's collection provides a wealth of information. By examining related prints, archival documents, and historical texts, we can understand the role of portraiture in shaping social and political life. We begin to see art’s meaning as always contingent on its social and institutional context.