Fotoreproductie van een portret van Thomas Howard, hertog van Norfolk, door Hans Holbein before 1877

This is a photo reproduction of a portrait of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, made by an anonymous artist. The portrait is a window into the stratified society of Tudor England, where identity and status were meticulously constructed and maintained through attire, bearing, and artistic representation. The Duke, adorned in a feathered cap and fine garments, embodies the image of aristocracy, projecting power through controlled visual cues. Yet, this representation isn't merely a reflection of nobility; it's an active performance of it. The image prompts us to think about how portraits like these have historically served to uphold the power structures, dictating who is seen, how they are seen, and who gets to do the seeing. The subtle vulnerability in Howard's gaze, however, hints at the emotional undercurrents beneath the veneer of power, inviting a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the title.