Portrait of Frederick V, King of Bohemia c. 1631

Gerard van Honthorst painted this portrait of Frederick V, King of Bohemia, during a tumultuous period in European history. Frederick's reign was brief but consequential, lasting only from 1619 to 1620, when he was deposed, earning him the moniker "the Winter King." Frederick stands here, adorned in royal finery, a visual representation of power and authority. His lace collar, velvet suit, and the crown and scepter beside him signify his status. Yet, there's also a sense of vulnerability in his eyes, perhaps reflecting the precariousness of his position. This portrait is a study in contrasts – the opulence of royalty juxtaposed with the instability of political power. It invites us to consider the human cost of ambition and the fleeting nature of earthly power. How does the artist use light and shadow to convey the sitter's internal state?