Portret van Johan III van Navarra c. 1550 - 1600

This engraving portrays Johan III of Navarre, though its creator remains unknown. The work offers insights into the public role of portraiture and the politics of imagery in the 16th century. The image creates meaning through a number of visual codes. The coat of arms, ram, and the military action depicted through the window point to Navarre's cultural references and historical associations. Specific features of that culture, such as geography, religion, historical events, social class, political movements, or economic structures might have influenced the artwork. We might ask, what social conditions shaped the image? Understanding this artwork necessitates a look into historical resources. Researching the Kingdom of Navarre, the artist's social standing, and the cultural context in which this portrait was created is essential. We may then comprehend the meaning of art as something deeply rooted in social and institutional context.