Portret van Graaf Theodor Alethaeus Heinrich Strattmann, gezant te Nijmegen 1633 - 1693

Bernard Vaillant created this portrait of Count Theodor Alethaeus Heinrich Strattmann in the late 17th century. Vaillant, a master of the pastel technique, captures Strattmann's likeness with a soft, almost dreamlike quality. Consider the context: Strattmann was a diplomat during a time of intense political maneuvering in Europe. His role as an envoy in Nijmegen placed him at the center of negotiations that would reshape the continent. The portrait itself performs power. Strattmann’s elaborate wig and lace collar speak to his status and wealth. Yet, there's also a vulnerability in his gaze, a hint of the personal behind the political. It offers a glimpse into the man behind the office. In its quiet way, this drawing complicates the narratives of power, reminding us of the individuals who navigated the complexities of their time.