Portret van Don Juan II van Oostenrijk 1656 - 1676

This engraving portrays Don Juan II of Austria, rendered by Frederik Bouttats around the 17th century. Note the cherubic figures flanking the portrait, their trumpets heralding Don Juan’s arrival. These are not merely decorative; they evoke the classical motifs of fame and divine approval, reminiscent of ancient Roman triumphal arches, where victories were celebrated with similar angelic figures. The laurel wreath held above Don Juan’s head, a symbol of victory and honor, is also not new. We find it in Roman art crowning emperors and heroes, signifying triumph and immortal glory. The image is consciously constructed to echo the artistic vocabulary of ancient Rome, a deliberate act of cultural memory. This continuity demonstrates the enduring power of such symbols, adapted and re-contextualized across time. This iconography, while celebrating an individual, taps into deeper, collective memories of honor, valor, and legacy.