Portret van Jan Baptist Houwaert 1586 - 1615

This is an engraving of Jan Baptist Houwaert, made by an anonymous artist. The print portrays Houwaert, a figure of some standing, framed by allegorical figures. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations, inviting us to consider its social and cultural context. Made in the Netherlands, we can see the distinct influence of the Northern Renaissance in the detailed portrayal of the sitter, the ornate frame, and the classical figures that reference the learning of the period. Given the presence of his coat of arms, and his armor, this man clearly belonged to the upper classes. To understand the image better, it is important to study the social and institutional conditions of artistic production in the Netherlands, and the role that such images played in shaping and reinforcing social hierarchies. The historian uses such prints as valuable resources, to better understand the relationship between artistic representation and social identity.