Portret van Wilhelm graaf van Zimmern 1600 - 1604

Dominicus Custos created this engraving of "Portret van Wilhelm graaf van Zimmern". This portrait offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, reflecting the social status and identity of its subject, Wilhelm, Count of Zimmern. The elaborate ruff collar and ornate armor speak to his aristocratic standing, while the Latin inscription locates him within a lineage of power and nobility, emphasizing ancestry and legacy. Consider the artist's role in constructing this image, reinforcing the Count’s identity through symbols of wealth and authority. Also think about how class is visualized through dress and how such representations affirm hierarchical social structures. What does it mean to present oneself in this way? How does the portrait perform the Count's identity, and what emotional impact does it have on you, the viewer? By considering these aspects, we gain insight into the complex interplay of power, identity, and representation in early modern Europe.