Portret van de zeeofficier Willem Bloys van Treslong before 1585

This portrait of Willem Bloys van Treslong was made around the turn of the 17th century by the artist Wierix. Van Treslong was an important naval commander in the Eighty Years' War between the Netherlands and Spain. The image is full of visual codes that tell us about his status and the values of the emerging Dutch Republic. He's shown with the tools of navigation, a compass and map, emphasizing the importance of maritime skill to Dutch power. His clothing is elaborate, but not overly opulent, reflecting the Dutch emphasis on practicality and commerce. Above his head is his family's coat of arms, a mark of noble lineage, but the focus is clearly on his personal achievements as a military leader. In the background we can see ships at sea, alluding to his command of the Zeeland fleet. These images tell us about the social conditions that shaped the new Dutch Republic, and the institutions that helped the Dutch to emerge as a major player in world trade. To find out more about Van Treslong's career, the Eighty Years War and the art of the Dutch Golden Age, you can consult archives and libraries here in the Netherlands and elsewhere.