Heren van Brederode, van Zyphridus tot en met Reinout III 1550 - 1551

Cornelis Anthonisz. made this woodcut depicting the Lords of Brederode, from Zyphridus to Reinout III, sometime before his death in 1553. The image presents us with a procession of noble figures, each meticulously rendered with attention to their heraldic symbols and attire. Made in the Netherlands, this work reflects the cultural values of its time, particularly the emphasis on lineage and aristocratic identity. The detailed rendering of each Lord's coat of arms underscores the importance of family history and social status in 16th-century Dutch society. The print may have served as a visual aid in solidifying the family's power. To fully understand this print, we need to examine archival documents, genealogical records, and studies of Northern Renaissance heraldry. These sources would reveal the social function of such images. Ultimately, the meaning of art lies in understanding its historical and institutional context.