Stamboom van Frederik en Ottheinrich van Palts-Neuburg (plaat 2) 1535 - 1594

This engraving, *Stamboom van Frederik en Ottheinrich van Palts-Neuburg*, was created in 1555 by Jakob Clauser. It's an intricate family tree, a common artistic form used by the European aristocracy to assert power and legitimacy. But this piece is more than just a display of lineage; it's a careful construction of identity. Clauser visually connects the subjects, Frederik and Ottheinrich, to a powerful past while suggesting their future potential. Consider the choice of the tree as a metaphor. Its roots delve into history, but its branches reach upwards, implying growth, legacy, and continued influence. The coat of arms further solidifies their noble status, a symbol of their inherited rights and privileges in a society deeply stratified by class. As you look closer, contemplate how the landscape and figures surrounding the tree contribute to this narrative. What stories do they tell about power, succession, and the creation of identity? It's a fascinating look into how the elite used art to shape perceptions of themselves.