Portret van Ernst Casimir van Nassau 1785

Jacobus Buys created this portrait of Ernst Casimir van Nassau in 1788 using pen and gray ink and brush. The work resides at the Rijksmuseum. The portrait of Ernst Casimir offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Dutch Republic, and the ways that the elite classes sought to represent themselves. Ernst is presented in full aristocratic regalia, intended to convey a sense of power and authority. We must remember that art in this period was often deeply intertwined with political and social power structures. The Nassaus were a hugely influential family. They occupied high positions in Dutch society for many years. Ernst’s decision to have himself depicted in this way speaks to the ways that the aristocracy sought to legitimize their positions. By studying sources such as letters, diaries, and other historical documents, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and political forces that shaped the artwork. This approach allows us to move beyond a purely aesthetic appreciation of art, and to understand it as a product of its time.