Portret van Dirk VII, graaf van Holland 1745

Hendrik Spilman created this print of Dirk VII, Count of Holland, sometime in the 18th century. Spilman lived during the Enlightenment, a time when there was a growing interest in historical documentation and the preservation of cultural heritage. Here, Spilman portrays Dirk VII as a figure of authority and nobility. But in a moment of self-awareness, we might ask ourselves how the power structures present in the 18th century affected Spilman’s artistic choices. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, laden with notions of chivalry. Dirk VII stands as a symbol of Dutch identity and pride. The details of his attire and heraldic symbols carry meanings related to class and lineage. In an era of increasing social and political change, Spilman used this print to connect viewers to the past, reinforcing a sense of continuity between the Netherlands of his time and its historical roots. The portrait reminds us of the stories we tell about ourselves and who gets to tell them.