Portret van Thomas Howard, graaf van Arundel 1646

Wenceslaus Hollar created this engraving, "Portret van Thomas Howard, graaf van Arundel" , a portrait of Thomas Howard, a prominent English nobleman during the reign of Charles I. Howard’s attire is striking. Clad in armor, he holds a helmet, symbols of military prowess. The portrait suggests a man of power, a visual representation of his aristocratic status. Yet, in this era, identity was also deeply entwined with religious and political affiliations. Howard's Catholicism and his support for the monarchy placed him in opposition to rising Puritan and Parliamentary forces, leading to periods of exile and political isolation. As you look closely, consider the complexities of Howard’s position. How did individuals navigate the intersections of faith, loyalty, and power during a time of upheaval? This portrait invites reflection on the personal costs of political conviction. It encourages us to explore the stories of those whose identities were forged in the crucible of historical change.