Hertug Christian Albrecht af Gottorp 1695

This engraving of Duke Christian Albrecht of Gottorp was made by Johan Friedlein in the late 17th or early 18th century. Note how the portrait is framed by a laurel wreath and topped with the motto "Per Aspera Ad Astra" - "Through hardship to the stars." This imagery, common to the period, reinforces the Duke's power and status. Made in the region of Schleswig-Holstein, a borderland between Denmark and Germany, the image is a fascinating example of the politics of imagery in early modern Europe. Consider how the Duke is presented: wearing armor, a symbol of military strength, but also a luxurious cloak and an elaborate wig, signifiers of wealth and refinement. The coat-of-arms at the bottom further emphasizes his lineage and claims to various territories. To truly understand this portrait, we would need to delve into the history of the House of Gottorp, their relations with the Danish crown, and the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region. Art historical research is always a process of uncovering these layers of meaning.