Portret van Jan van Montfort 1628 - 1670

Pieter de Jode the Younger created this engraving, "Portret van Jan van Montfort," whose date remains unconfirmed, using the intaglio technique. It’s a compelling example of the cultural values upheld in 17th-century Europe. The portrait immortalizes Jan van Montfort, an individual of significant standing within the courts of Albert and Elisabeth. His attire and accoutrements denote nobility and power, with particular emphasis on his role within the Catholic monarchy. The keys on his belt, symbols of authority, hint at the intersection of religious and secular power that defined the era. Consider the gaze of van Montfort, the tilt of his hand – does it extend an invitation, or does it serve as a subtle assertion of dominance? The detailed rendering of his garments contrasts with the plain background, creating a striking visual hierarchy. It’s difficult to ignore the nuances of power, class, and religious identity that resonate from this meticulously crafted engraving.