Portret van Paul-Bernard de Fontaine 1628 - 1670

Pieter de Jode II created this print of Paul-Bernard de Fontaine, a military commander in the Spanish Netherlands, sometime in the 17th century. Jode, coming from a family of printmakers and publishers, was well-positioned to create and circulate images that reflected and shaped the social and political narratives of his time. Prints like this one played a crucial role in constructing and disseminating images of power and authority. De Fontaine, depicted in armor, embodies the ideals of military leadership and aristocratic virtue. Yet, we might also consider how such representations served the interests of the ruling elite, reinforcing social hierarchies and legitimizing their power. How did individuals like De Fontaine navigate their identities within the complex web of political allegiances, religious affiliations, and social expectations? Consider the emotional impact of this image. Does it evoke admiration, awe, or perhaps a sense of distance from the realities of 17th-century life? The history and the identity of individuals are forever captured and remembered through art.