Portret van Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, hertog van Alva 1611

Christoffel van Sichem I's 1611 engraving, "Portret van Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, hertog van Alva," showcases the Duke of Alva, a prominent figure in 16th-century Spanish history, in a full-length portrait. Dressed in armor, he stands confidently with a staff, a testament to his military prowess. The detail of the engraved armor and weaponry is striking, conveying a sense of authority and power. The inclusion of the Duke's coat of arms and a helmet at the bottom adds further historical significance to the artwork. This print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a valuable glimpse into the visual culture of the Dutch Golden Age, where historical figures were often immortalized through engraved portraits.