Portret van Nicolaus Esdrin, graaf van Serini 1650 - 1670

Cornelis Meyssens made this portrait of Nicolaus Esdrin, count of Serini, in the 17th century using engraving. The portrait commemorates a man of power and status, evidenced by his fur hat, robe, armour, and the staff he holds as a symbol of command. This image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations that would have been easily read by its contemporary audience. The Netherlands, where Meyssens was working, was a republic, but a republic steeped in the imagery of empire and aristocracy. This portrait makes reference to a broader European noble culture that transcended national borders. As art historians, we must also consider the institutional histories in which this artwork was created. What kind of print shop produced it, and for what audience? Was it meant for a book, or as an independent print to be collected? These are the sorts of research questions that help us better understand the social and institutional context in which art is made.