Portret van Wouter VI van Brienne 1838 - 1841

This is an anonymous portrait of Walter VI of Brienne, made using an engraving technique. The image is striking because it shows Brienne in full armor, which makes you wonder about the relationship between portraiture, power, and military might in the 14th century. The visual codes here – the armor, the stern gaze – construct a very specific image of masculinity and authority tied to military prowess. It was made in France, a region with long-standing traditions of feudalism and warfare. The armor itself speaks volumes about the social hierarchy. Only those with significant economic resources could afford such protection, thus linking material wealth to military power. The absence of the artist's name is also significant. It suggests a system where the patron's status was considered more critical than the artisan's skill. To fully understand this image, we'd need to look into the historical context. Consulting genealogical records, military histories, and studies of medieval French society would help us understand the intricate relationships between Brienne, his armor, and the power structures of his time.