Portrait of Diederik van Hemert, Lord of Babyloniënbroek at six years of age 1735

Harmanus Serin painted this portrait of Diederik van Hemert, Lord of Babyloniënbroek, during a time when the Dutch elite sought to display their status through lavish portraiture. Here, young Diederik is not just a boy, but a symbol of lineage and power. The trappings of aristocracy surround him: the horse, the dog, and the family crest, all indicators of wealth and privilege. His clothing, a miniature version of adult aristocratic fashion, emphasizes his family's aspirations and place in society. Yet, there's a tension in the image. Diederik's youthful face contrasts sharply with the weighty expectations placed upon him, a common theme in portraits of young heirs. The portrait reflects a society deeply invested in maintaining its hierarchical structures. By presenting the young boy as a lord, the painting underscores the inherited nature of power and the societal roles prescribed from birth. While seemingly a celebration of youth, the portrait also serves as a reminder of the burdens of class and the performance required to maintain a position within it.