Portret van Don Juan van Oostenrijk c. 1642 - 1678

Nicolas de Larmessin I created this portrait of Don Juan of Austria as an engraving. Larmessin produced a significant body of portrait engravings during a time when printmaking was crucial for disseminating images of power and status across Europe. Here, the identity of Don Juan, illegitimate son of King Philip IV of Spain, is carefully constructed through the visual language of aristocracy. The ornate frame, the heraldic symbols, and his dignified pose all contribute to a narrative of legitimacy and power. Yet, his status as an illegitimate son adds a layer of complexity, raising questions about inherited privilege and social mobility. The work maintains the traditional representations of power, while the figure of Don Juan subtly hints at alternative narratives of identity. Consider how the act of portraying him in such a grand manner serves to solidify his position within the Spanish court, despite the circumstances of his birth. It reflects society’s complex negotiation of lineage, authority, and the personal stories that often challenge established norms.