Portret van de luitenant-admiraal Pieter Pietersz. Heyn 1776 - 1851

This engraving of Lieutenant-Admiral Pieter Pietersz. Heyn was made by Daniël Veelwaard in the Netherlands, but we don't know exactly when. What does this image tell us about the institutions of military power in the Netherlands? The portrait depicts a man of status, evidenced by his clothing and medal. Yet this is not just a depiction of wealth, but also of military might, recalling a time when the Netherlands was a major naval power. The Dutch Golden Age was built on maritime trade and military prowess. The image subtly reminds viewers of that history, reaffirming cultural pride. Historians examine such images alongside other source material, like naval records, trade statistics, and political pamphlets, to fully understand their meaning. The role of art is always contingent on its historical moment.