Johann Wolfert van Brederode, from Effigies Variae 1647

This engraving of Johann Wolfert van Brederode was made by Cornelis Visscher, a Dutch artist, in the mid-17th century. It’s a portrait meant for public consumption, one of a series titled "Effigies Variae," or various likenesses. Consider the politics of imagery at this time. The Dutch Republic was a relatively new nation, having only recently won independence from Spain. The leaders of the Republic, like Brederode, needed to be seen as strong and capable. Note how the subject is encased in an oval frame inscribed with Latin phrases which elevates Brederode and signifies status. The detailed armour emphasizes Brederode’s military accomplishments as a commander in the Dutch army during the Eighty Years' War. The print was likely commissioned or endorsed by Brederode himself, reflecting the social conditions that shaped artistic production. Prints like this served to solidify the subject's position within the newly formed nation and its institutions. Careful analysis, using sources like letters, diaries, and other documents can reveal the social context that brings this artwork to life.