Philip II, King of Spain 

Christoffel van Sichem I created this print of Philip II, King of Spain, at a time when the visual representation of power was meticulously crafted and disseminated. Van Sichem was working in a society deeply entrenched in hierarchical structures, where images of rulers were carefully constructed to project authority and divine right. Philip II's identity as a staunch defender of Catholicism and his role in the Spanish Inquisition casts a long shadow, especially when viewed through the lens of those persecuted during his reign. The ships in the background evoke Spain’s expansive reach during the Age of Exploration, and the brutal realities of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. The armor he wears and the helmet to his side are symbols of military might. This portrait can prompt reflection on the human cost of empire and the complex legacies of those who wielded power.