Portret van Thomas Howard, graaf van Norfolk c. 1669 - 1731

This is Pieter van Gunst's portrait of Thomas Howard, the Earl of Norfolk, made in the late 17th or early 18th century. As a printmaker working in the Dutch Republic, van Gunst specialized in reproducing portraits of prominent figures for a growing market of collectors and enthusiasts. Prints like this served a crucial public role. In a society without photography, they disseminated images of political and cultural elites, shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies. Howard's attire and bearing speak to the power of lineage, the ermine robes and chain of office are visual markers of inherited status. The elaborate framing further elevates the subject, placing him within a tradition of aristocratic portraiture. To fully understand this image, we can turn to sources that illuminate the social and political context of its creation. Genealogical records, historical accounts, and studies of print culture can reveal the complex interplay of power, representation, and social identity in this compelling portrait.