Frontispiece from Frederick Hendrick van Nassauw by J. Commelijn 1651 - 1656
print, engraving
portrait
baroque
old engraving style
figuration
limited contrast and shading
line
history-painting
engraving
Dimensions: height 288 mm, width 168 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This engraving from an unknown hand, now residing in the Rijksmuseum, presents us with a symbolic portrait of Frederick Hendrick van Nassauw. Angels carry banners above him, while allegorical figures gather below. Note the figure of Charity at the bottom, her breast bared, nursing infants. This motif, traceable to ancient Roman depictions of Concordia, embodies the nurturing essence of maternal love and communal harmony. But its journey doesn't end there. It reappears across centuries, from Renaissance paintings to Baroque sculptures, each time subtly shifting in meaning, yet always resonating with the primal human need for care and connection. The symbol transcends mere representation; it evokes a powerful emotional response. It taps into our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with motherhood, protection, and the very foundations of society. This image, like all potent symbols, partakes in a cycle of cultural transmission, resurfacing and evolving across time, constantly renewing its relevance.
Comments
The depiction is engraved on a copper plate. When printed, the scene appears in reverse from the design drawing. Upon delivering his drawing, Jansz must have given instructions about what should appear in the background. The landscape in the background of his design drawings can hardly be discerned. The cartouche, too, which in the drawings is still blank or missing entirely, has been filled in with a cavalry charge led by Prince Maurice.
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