Portret van Maurits, prins van Oranje c. 1601 - 1652

This is an engraving of Maurits, Prince of Orange, made by an anonymous artist. As a military leader during the Dutch Revolt against Spain, Maurits was at the center of a transforming cultural and political landscape. This portrait operates within a complex matrix of power, identity, and representation. Maurits’s confident gaze speaks to his status. But, who was this Prince? As a Stadtholder, Maurits held significant political sway, yet he also navigated the expectations of his noble lineage. In this context, his identity was both inherited and actively constructed through his actions and image. Representations of Maurits reflect the values and aspirations of the society. The choice to depict him in a certain way was a deliberate act, influencing how people perceived not just Maurits, but also the ideals of leadership. Ultimately, this engraving is not just a depiction of a man but also an artifact which encapsulates a pivotal period of conflict and change.