Portret van Johan Ernst I, hertog van Saksen-Coburg after 1601

This is Dominicus Custos’s portrait of Johan Ernst I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg, made with engraving in the late 16th or early 17th century. Custos operated within a society deeply structured by social hierarchies. This portrait, with its elaborate details of fur and finery, speaks volumes about the Duke’s status and power in the region. The image offers a glimpse into the construction of identity during the period. Johan Ernst is meticulously adorned to project an image of authority and nobility. Consider how the representation of men is often linked to displays of power, whether through military might, wealth, or lineage. How does this portrait affirm or challenge these historical tropes? Custos presents us with more than just a likeness; he offers a carefully constructed narrative about a man and his place in the world. It’s an exercise in preserving legacy, power, and the visible markers of status in a time of immense social change.