Portræt af Frederik II's datter Elisabeth 1584

Hans Knieper painted this small portrait of Elisabeth, daughter of Frederik II, in 1584. Painted in Denmark, portraits like these functioned as dynastic tools to reinforce and communicate power. Note the formality of the composition, with the sitter facing forward and the detail in her elaborate dress and jewelry. All these served to transmit a particular message about Elisabeth's social standing. Interestingly, we see her age noted in the inscription. In the context of royal families, childhood was a particularly political time, where alliances and marriage contracts were plotted. Images of royal children circulated around courts and were used as a tool for cementing political relationships. Understanding the role of portraiture in the 16th century requires considering how social status was performed and how political power was negotiated. A wide range of sources, from court records, to letters, and family trees, allow historians to understand this painting in its proper context.