Portret van Hendrik II, graaf van Brabant en Leuven 1662

Coenraet Waumans created this engraving, "Portret van Hendrik II, graaf van Brabant en Leuven," in the 17th century. This print, now held in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the visual culture that shaped perceptions of power and lineage during the Dutch Golden Age. Waumans’s portrait invites us to consider how identity was constructed and communicated through art in the 17th century. Though seemingly a straightforward depiction of nobility, the image reveals the intricate web of social, political, and cultural forces at play. The choice to portray Hendrik II, a figure from centuries past, suggests an interest in invoking a sense of historical continuity and legitimacy during a time of significant social and political change. The detailed rendering of Hendrik's garments and regal bearing emphasizes his status, reinforcing traditional notions of power and authority. Consider how the artist both upholds and subverts conventional representations. What emotions and experiences do you think Waumans was trying to communicate through this portrait? How does it shape or reflect societal issues, and what are the emotional and personal dimensions of the piece?