Portret van Dirk, eerste graaf van Holland 1517

Lucas van Leyden’s “Portret van Dirk, eerste graaf van Holland” is a woodcut portrait from 1517. It depicts Dirk I, the first count of Holland, holding a banner featuring a heraldic lion. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the artistry and historical representation of 16th century Netherlands. The detailed depiction of Dirk’s clothing and the banner highlights the importance of lineage and heraldry in the Dutch society. The woodcut’s small size, measuring 210 mm x 64 mm, suggests its purpose as a personal devotional image or a part of a larger collection.