Portret van Miguel Perez van Montesca 1629 - 1652

Juan van Noort created this engraving, Portret van Miguel Perez van Montesca, capturing the likeness of a distinguished gentleman. Miguel Perez's identity as a knight is clearly displayed by the frame surrounding his portrait, which makes a point of telling us he is Knight of the Habit, and General of the Artillery. Portraits from this period often presented their subjects in a formal and idealized manner, reinforcing social hierarchies and norms. Yet, the ornate frame and surrounding text which lists Miguel Perez’s titles almost undermines the visual representation. It amplifies the importance of social status and lineage in defining an individual’s worth, and hints at the rigid social structures of the time. The symbols used to frame the portrait offer an emotional tension, a contrast to the man's assured pose. Van Noort’s work is a window into the values of the 17th century, and it allows us to reflect on how identity and status are constructed and represented even today.