Edzard II, vijfde graaf van Oost-Friesland 1618 - 1620

Pieter Feddes van Harlingen made this print of Edzard II, fifth Count of East Frisia. The print’s composition is a fascinating blend of power and place, reflecting the complex interplay between a ruler’s authority and the socio-political landscape of 17th-century Frisia. Note the armaments depicted to the right of Edzard, but also notice the Frisian landscape he stands upon. It is no accident that the family coat of arms appears in the upper left corner. During this period, Frisia was marked by political and economic upheaval, with local counts vying for power amid shifting alliances and external pressures. The print, made in the Netherlands, can be read as a visual assertion of Edzard's legitimacy and strength. By examining period documents and consulting local historical archives, we can better appreciate the relationship between the visual arts and the negotiation of power in the early modern Netherlands. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its historical context.