Portret van Robert Dudley, graaf van Leicester before 1690

This print, held at the Rijksmuseum, depicts Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, made by an anonymous artist, at an unknown date. Dudley stands in full military attire, a symbol of power and authority during a time of intense political maneuvering in Europe. Dudley, a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, was deeply embroiled in the complex dynamics of gender, class and politics. As a nobleman, Dudley’s life was shaped by the expectations of his social status, yet his close relationship with Queen Elizabeth challenged traditional gender roles. This print captures Dudley as a figure of military might, ready to defend his nation. Yet, it also hints at the personal and political battles he faced as a man in the orbit of a powerful female monarch. In a society defined by rigid hierarchies, Dudley's image served to reinforce his status, while also acknowledging the shifting power dynamics of the Elizabethan era. This artwork speaks to the intersection of personal ambition and national identity.