Portret van Leopold Willem van Oostenrijk 1654

This print of Leopold Willem of Austria was made by Pierre Daret, likely around the mid-17th century. Daret was a French artist who spent time in Italy and became known for his engravings, which were popular among the elite. This portrait showcases not only the individual but also the aristocratic institutions of the period. Leopold is presented within an oval frame, a convention of formal portraiture, and embellished with family heraldry, suggesting dynastic power. Born into the Habsburg dynasty, Leopold held significant religious and military roles; he was essentially a Prince-Bishop. Daret’s print captures the image of a powerful man, whose identity was deeply embedded in the political and religious structures of the Holy Roman Empire. To fully appreciate this image, one might delve into the archives of the Habsburgs, explore the history of the Prince-Bishops, and examine the visual language of power in 17th-century Europe.