Hieronymus Josephus Boudaen, Lord of St Laurens and Popkensburg 1700 - 1750

Johan George Collasius created this portrait of Hieronymus Josephus Boudaen, Lord of St Laurens and Popkensburg, using oil on panel. In the 18th century, portraits like this served as powerful symbols of status. Boudaen's elaborate wig, fine clothing, and the very fact that he could afford to have his portrait painted, all speak to his elevated social position. Think of it as the visual language of aristocracy in the Dutch Republic. The art world itself was very structured. Artists relied on patronage from the wealthy, and institutions like academies shaped artistic training and taste. Boudaen's portrait reflects a desire for the image to project power and prestige, upholding the existing social hierarchy. To fully understand this work, we can consult genealogical records to explore Boudaen's lineage, and study the history of fashion and portraiture to better understand the visual cues that signaled status in the 18th century.