Portret van Margaretha van Parma, landvoogdes der Nederlanden before 1611

This engraving by Karel van Sichem, made around 1600 in the Netherlands, depicts Margaretha van Parma, Governor of the Netherlands. But this isn't just a portrait, it's a statement about power, politics, and the role of women in society. Look at how she is dressed. The visual codes present in her clothing represent the power, status, and wealth of the elite class at that time. Also, consider the institutional history and religious conflicts of the Netherlands. The print was made during a time of upheaval, when the Dutch were fighting for independence from Spanish rule. Margaretha van Parma was appointed Governor by Phillip II and was deeply unpopular in the role. This image is a reminder that art is always shaped by the social, cultural, and political forces of its time. Historians use archives, letters, and other primary sources to understand the context in which art was made and the messages it was intended to convey. By studying this artwork, we gain insights into the complexities of 17th-century Dutch society.