Portret van Franz Leopold von Nádasdy 1749 - 1796

This print by Johann Ernst Mansfeld portrays Franz Leopold von Nádasdy, likely created to commemorate his military achievements. As Field Marshal, Nádasdy was a figure of power and authority in the Habsburg Monarchy, a period marked by territorial expansion and complex social hierarchies. This portrait, with its detailed rendering of his uniform and the triumphant battle scene below, reflects the visual language of power and status in the 18th century. Yet, it also invites us to consider the human cost of these military campaigns and the lives of those who served under his command. It’s interesting to consider how Nádasdy's identity as a military leader intersects with his social standing and the broader political landscape of his time. This work thus serves as a window into the ways in which individuals are both shaped by and contribute to the historical forces around them.