Portret van Robert Rich, graaf van Warwick 1642 - 1667

Wenceslaus Hollar made this portrait of Robert Rich, Earl of Warwick, using etching. It captures a man of immense power during a period of intense social and political upheaval in England. Robert Rich, scion of immense wealth, was not only a nobleman but also the Lord High Admiral, a position of considerable influence. Rich's life was interwoven with the era's religious and political conflicts. His zealous Protestantism placed him at the heart of the disputes between the Parliament and the Crown, eventually leading to the English Civil War. This portrait then, is not just a depiction of an individual, but an insight into the power dynamics of 17th-century England. Notice the ships in the background. They are a not-so-subtle nod to Rich’s naval command and maritime power. The ships symbolize England's ambitions and conflicts during the period, reflecting a society undergoing rapid transformation. Hollar's portrait of Robert Rich invites us to consider the identities and histories of those who wielded power and influence during times of transformation.