Heren van Brederode, van Zyphridus tot en met Reinout III (rechter blad) 1550 - 1551

This is the right-hand panel of a woodcut made by Cornelis Anthonisz. around 1530, representing the Lords of Brederode. The image presents a succession of noblemen, each depicted in full armor and bearing the insignia of their lineage. This display of heraldry isn't just decorative; it's a visual assertion of power and legitimacy. Made in the Netherlands, during a time of political and religious upheaval, this image speaks to the importance of lineage and established authority. The Lords of Brederode were significant players in Dutch politics, and artworks like this helped to solidify their position. Consider the social conditions that shaped the production of this print. How did the economics of printmaking influence its creation and distribution? How did it function within the political landscape of the time? Historians can delve into archives and genealogical records to uncover the specific historical context and the role of the Brederode family in the Netherlands. What we see in this image is a constructed narrative, one that is deeply embedded in the social and institutional history of the time.