Mogens Kaas 1655 - 1659

This is Albert Haelwegh's portrait of Mogens Kaas, an engraving made sometime in the 17th century. The image presents us with a rather imposing figure, and was intended to project power. Kaas's status as a senator is encoded in the chain of office with its elephant pendant, his stern gaze, and the trappings of wealth conveyed by the draped curtain in the background. Made in Denmark during a period of shifting political alliances and military conflicts, this image would have been used to reinforce Kaas's authority as a representative of the Danish crown. The inscription below the image identifies him as a high-ranking official and landowner. The image speaks to the importance of portraiture in solidifying the power of individuals within the Danish state. A historian can better understand the dynamics of 17th-century Denmark by analyzing images such as these along with archival documents. The visual and textual sources are invaluable for understanding this period.