Portret van Christoph Popel vrijheer van Lobkowitz 1600 - 1604

Dominicus Custos made this portrait of Christoph Popel Freiherr von Lobkowitz using engraving. The formality of this portrait reflects the subject’s status, who was an important nobleman in the court of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. Born into the Popel von Lobkowitz family, Christoph held significant advisory positions. The inscription surrounding his image lists his titles, emphasizing his proximity to the Emperor, Rudolf II. This portrait operates within a tradition of courtly representation, designed to project power and legitimacy. The intricate details of his clothing, the fur trim, and the precise rendering of his features all work to convey his elevated social standing. To understand this image better, one could research the history of the Popel von Lobkowitz family and their role in the Habsburg court. By understanding the social context of the artwork, we can appreciate how it reinforces ideas about social hierarchy.