Portret van Friedrich Braunschweig-Lüneburg 1644

Sebastian Furck created this portrait of Friedrich Braunschweig-Lüneburg in the 17th century, using engraving. The work captures Friedrich’s status as both a Duke and a religious figure. The inscription surrounding him suggests that viewers are seeing not just his likeness, but the virtue within him. During this period, portraiture was used to assert power and status. Friedrich’s image, framed by elaborate ornamentation and Latin text, emphasizes his noble lineage and high social standing. The work reflects the intersection of politics and religion, central to the identity of leaders during the reformation and post-reformation eras. Portraits like this one served to reinforce traditional hierarchies. However, they also invite questions about the relationship between outward appearance and inner qualities. While intended to project authority, the image also hints at the personal attributes that define an individual.