Portrait of Captain Charles de Heraugières, Commander of Breda 1590

Here, we see an anonymous portrait of Captain Charles de Heraugières, Commander of Breda, painted with oil on panel. In the context of 17th-century Europe, portraits were often used as tools of identity, reinforcing the subject's status, wealth, and position within the social hierarchy. The portrait of Captain Heraugières is no exception, as we see him adorned in armor, a visual signifier of his military rank. The medal around his neck may represent the power he held, and the battles he fought. The inscription in the upper right hand corner states “Terrible in War, But Mild in Peace.” But what does it mean to be both terrible and mild? How do the roles we play in society shape our identities? It's a striking image that speaks volumes about the complexities of identity, the weight of societal expectations, and the masks we wear.