Portret van Hendrik, graaf van Nassau-Ouwerkerk 17th century

This is an engraving of Hendrik, Count of Nassau-Ouwerkerk, made by an anonymous artist. Though the exact date is unknown, the attire and style suggest it was likely created during Hendrik's lifetime in the late 17th or early 18th century. Hendrik, a prominent military figure in the Netherlands, is depicted in full armor. His elaborate wig and refined posture reflect the aristocratic fashion and social norms of the period. Although, the image ostensibly celebrates military prowess, it subtly reveals the complex interplay between power, identity, and representation in Dutch society. Nassau-Ouwerkerk’s identity as a nobleman and military leader, a figure deeply embedded in the socio-political structures of his time, invites us to consider the emotional and performative aspects of portraiture, and how images are used to construct and convey particular narratives about individuals and their roles in society.