Karel V 1620 - 1664

This engraving of Karel V, was made by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century, a time shaped by aristocratic power and the visual strategies used to maintain it. Della Bella, working in the Baroque style, presents us with more than just a portrait. The text accompanying the image of Charles describes him as devoted, prudent, chaste, and vigilant – the very embodiment of an ideal ruler. Notice how he is depicted holding a staff, a symbol of his authority and power. These visual and textual elements combine to create a narrative carefully designed to shape the perception and legitimize the rule of Karel V. Consider, too, the absence of Karel V's individuality. Instead, we are presented with an archetype, a representation of leadership divorced from the complexities of personal identity. This careful construction invites us to reflect on how identity has been historically shaped and presented, particularly within the context of power.