Portret van Anton Ulrich von Braunschweig-Lüneburg 1649

Conrad Buno made this print of Anton Ulrich von Braunschweig-Lüneburg, sometime in the mid-17th century. This type of portrait print was a common way to disseminate images of political figures throughout Europe at the time. The print is not just a straightforward record of a likeness. The elaborate frame and Latin inscription are visual cues that signal Ulrich’s status as a Duke. He is shown as a figure of power but also of learning and virtue, as indicated by the text. This image was made in the context of the Holy Roman Empire, a fragmented political landscape where local rulers like Ulrich held considerable sway. Printmaking was heavily controlled by guilds, and artists often worked directly for aristocratic patrons like Ulrich. This image would have served to enhance Ulrich's authority within his domain. By examining archival sources like letters, account books, and other prints, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role this image played in the political theater of its time.