Portret van Karel III, hertog van Bourbon 1576 - 1614

Thomas de Leu created this engraving of Charles the Third, Duke of Bourbon, sometime between 1560 and 1620. This portrait captures the Duke in profile, encircled by an inscription praising his valor. During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, portrait engravings served not only as likenesses but also as powerful tools for shaping identity and historical narratives. Charles III, a figure of immense power and prestige, is presented here in a manner that emphasizes his noble status, with careful attention paid to his dress and bearing. Engravings such as this played a crucial role in constructing and disseminating images of power, reinforcing social hierarchies, and shaping historical memory. How does this formal presentation affect our understanding of Charles III, and what does it tell us about the values and priorities of the society that produced and consumed such images?