Portret van Christoffel Middaghten 1705 - 1747

Andries van Buysen the Elder created this portrait of Christoffel Myddaghten using etching and engraving techniques. The setting for this portrait is not a domestic space but a naval battle, against the backdrop of a turbulent sea. The portrait offers insight into the values and social structures of the time. Myddaghten's identity is constructed through symbols of power, like his stance before the chaotic naval battle, his baton, and the cannon. He’s cool, calm, and collected. These elements speak to the importance of military prowess in shaping one’s identity and social standing. There's an emotional tension between the chaos of the sea and Myddaghten's composed demeanor, between the backdrop and the foreground. What does it mean to be in control during times of war? In what ways are one’s emotions connected to the shifting tides of society? This artwork, therefore, captures the personal qualities admired in leaders, while subtly hinting at the emotional cost of power.