Portret van graaf Godfried I van Leuven 1623 - 1661

Pieter de Bailliu created this engraving of Count Godfried I of Leuven. Without a creation date, it's difficult to pinpoint its exact position within de Bailliu's broader body of work, which primarily consisted of portraits and religious scenes. This print presents us with a visual representation of power and nobility in the 17th century. Godfried I is depicted wearing a helmet and armor, symbols of his military status. The Latin phrase "Per Pericula Cresco" translates to "I grow through dangers", suggesting a life marked by conflict and resilience. The text on the print details Godfried's lineage and titles, underscoring the importance of ancestry in establishing one's identity and authority. But more than just a historical record, it is also a symbolic representation of the values and ideals of a bygone era. In our contemporary moment, we can ask ourselves: What does it mean to represent power today, and who gets to do it?