Dameportræt. Louise de Coligny. 1609 - 1670

Karel van Mander III created this portrait of Louise de Coligny with pencil on paper in the 17th Century. The portrait encapsulates the conventions of the time, reflecting the social hierarchy and the sitter's status within it. As with much portraiture of the period, the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It's important to consider the role of portraiture in 17th-century Dutch society, where it served not only as a record of appearance but also as a statement of social standing and identity. The fashion, for example, is an integral component of this. The sitter's clothing, hairstyle, and accessories convey messages about her wealth, marital status, and social affiliations. To fully understand this drawing, we need to do further research into the sitter herself, the artist, and the cultural context in which they both lived. By considering the social and institutional context of its creation, we can gain a richer understanding of its historical significance.