Portret van Godfried II van Leuven 1660s

This is Pieter van Schuppen's "Portret van Godfried II van Leuven," an engraving now held at the Rijksmuseum. Van Schuppen, who lived in the 17th century, situated his practice in the tense nexus of artistic patronage and political power. Here, the armor worn by Godfried II, combined with the feathered helmet, isn't merely protective gear but rather a declaration of power, class, and masculine identity. As a society, we have come to accept such displays of masculine power. Think about the cultural narratives which celebrate military prowess, and how those narratives impact our understanding of gender and leadership. Consider how portraits like this one reinforce or challenge societal structures. Does it perpetuate a singular, heroic narrative, or does it invite us to consider the complexities and contradictions inherent in historical power dynamics? It invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves, and how those stories shape our world.