Portret van Dirk VI, graaf van Holland 1620

Adriaen Matham made this print of Dirk VI, Count of Holland, sometime in the 17th century. The portrait presents the Count as a noble figure through carefully chosen symbols. The lion on Dirk’s shield is a clear heraldic reference to his power and status. His armor and sword emphasize his role as a leader and protector. Matham's choice of attire is calculated to evoke a sense of historical authority. This was a time when the Dutch Republic was solidifying its identity, and images of past leaders served to legitimize the present. What can we make of the artist’s decision to portray a medieval count in the 17th century? It tells us something about how the Dutch Republic understood its history and legitimized its power. To fully understand this image, we can delve into Dutch political history and study the visual culture of the time. We can explore archives and libraries, examining similar prints and historical texts to understand the social and institutional contexts of the art.