Adolf graaf van Nassau-Dillenburg-Schaumburg (1629-76) 1660 - 1699

This is a miniature portrait of Adolf graaf van Nassau-Dillenburg-Schaumburg, made by Peter Boy around the turn of the 18th century. It is painted in enamel on metal, a technique that requires multiple firings in a kiln to build up layers of color and detail. The process itself speaks volumes about the subject's status. Enamel work, with its meticulous application and demanding firing process, was a luxury trade. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness; it was about displaying wealth and power. Look at the gleaming armor and the delicate lace collar. The artist is not only representing Adolf, but also alluding to the social and economic structures that supported his position. Boy’s artistry and control over the enamel medium is evident in the smooth gradations of tone, but let’s not forget the skilled metalworker who fashioned the miniature’s brass frame. This object exemplifies the collaborative labor that underpinned so much early modern craftsmanship, blurring the lines between art, craft, and social status.