Portret van Rudolf II van Habsburg 1660

This is an engraving of Rudolf II of Habsburg, made by Jacob van der Heyden, sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The print is filled with visual and textual codes meant to communicate Rudolf's power and status. The Latin inscriptions and allegorical details situate Rudolf within a classical framework, associating him with the glory of the Roman Empire. The laurel wreath and the inscription "Rudolphus II, Dei Gratia" (by the grace of God) reinforce his authority as divinely sanctioned. Created in the context of the Habsburg dynasty's efforts to consolidate power, it reflects the era's political structures and religious tensions. Rudolf II’s reign was characterized by a fascination with art and science, turning Prague into a major center of European culture. Understanding the context of the Habsburg court, its patronage system, and its role within the Holy Roman Empire is crucial to interpreting this image. By consulting historical documents, court records, and the artist's other works, one can gain a richer understanding of the ways in which this image participated in the construction of Rudolf II's public image.