Portret van Jan IV, hertog van Brabant 1660s

This engraving by Pieter van Schuppen portrays Jan IV, Duke of Brabant, encased in armor within an octagonal frame. The metallic sheen of the armor and helmet, complete with feathered plume, contrasts with the soft, almost vulnerable expression on Jan's face. Van Schuppen uses line and texture to create depth and interest. Note how the cross-hatching in the background sets off the figure, while the detailed rendering of the armor suggests its weight and texture. The octagonal frame creates a sense of enclosure, almost like a window onto the past. The overall composition invites us to consider the relationship between the man and the symbols of power he embodies. The portrait raises questions about identity, representation, and the construction of historical memory. What does it mean to portray a ruler in this way? What aspects of his character are being emphasized? Perhaps the artist sought to convey both strength and vulnerability, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of leadership and the human condition.