Portret van Georg Friedrich, prins van Waldeck-Eisenberg c. 1663 - 1695

Christiaan Hagen created this engraving of Georg Friedrich, Prince of Waldeck-Eisenberg in the 17th century. Hagen captures the Prince in armor, a symbol of power and protection, with a battle raging in the background. The Prince’s elaborate wig and lace collar speak to the performative aspects of identity in aristocratic portraiture, while his steady gaze conveys authority. The image operates within a tradition where masculinity and social status were carefully constructed and communicated through visual cues. Think about how Georg Friedrich might have wanted to be seen, and the image he sought to project to the world. Hagen’s work prompts us to consider the dynamics of power, identity, and representation, inviting us to reflect on the individuals and histories behind these images. How do such portraits affirm or challenge our understanding of the past?