Portret van Michiel Adriaansz. de Ruyter 1673 - 1707

Hendrik Bary's engraving is a portrait of Michiel de Ruyter, the famous Dutch admiral. It commemorates a figure whose identity was deeply entwined with the Dutch Republic's maritime power and commercial prowess in the 17th century. De Ruyter's story reflects the era's social mobility, rising from humble origins to the highest echelons of naval command. His success wasn't just personal, it mirrored the Dutch Republic's own ascent on the world stage. The Dutch Golden Age was marked by both unprecedented economic growth and intense naval conflicts. De Ruyter became a symbol of Dutch resilience and naval might. Consider the emotional weight carried by images like this. They were designed to inspire both national pride and a sense of collective identity during a period of intense international competition and conflict. Bary's portrait thus immortalizes De Ruyter and, by extension, a specific vision of Dutch identity rooted in maritime strength.