Portret van Frederik I, hertog van Württemberg 1583 - 1608

This engraving of Frederik I, Duke of Württemberg, was made by Jacob van der Heyden around the turn of the 17th century. The print exemplifies the way portraiture functioned as a tool for shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies in early modern Europe. Note the elaborate framing, laden with symbols of power and virtue. We see personifications of Justice and Prudence, alongside heraldic devices proclaiming the Duke's lineage and status. The Latin inscriptions further amplify the image, celebrating Frederik's virtues and achievements. Prints like this circulated widely, serving to construct and disseminate a carefully crafted image of the Duke, both within his realm and beyond. They offer insight into the self-conscious construction of power and identity in this period. To understand this image more fully, we might consult genealogical records, emblem books, and archival documents relating to the court of Württemberg. These resources can shed light on the specific meanings and associations embedded within the print, revealing the complex interplay of art, power, and social context.