Ernest Casimir, Count of Nassau 1626

Curator: Look at him! Willem Jacobszoon Delff's engraving of Ernest Casimir, Count of Nassau. It’s from 1626, printed in the Hague. Editor: Intimidating! The armor, the lace collar… and that *look*. He's assessing me, and I feel judged. Curator: The armor and lace are fascinating, aren't they? Such contrasting symbols of power and status. The armor speaks to his military role, Governor of Friesland. Editor: Precisely. And the lace? A symbol of wealth, refinement, even vanity? It creates a visual tension. Curator: Beyond his personal vanity, it represents the wealth he is protecting as a leader, while the armor represents the military and power he represents. Editor: All those visual cues converge to convey something timeless about the burden of leadership. What it takes to keep appearances, protect your people, your wealth, and be ready for war all at once. Curator: Agreed. It's a subtle way to display that strength. Editor: It feels that his serious look shows just that.