Portret van Bernhard Waltstromer c. 1641 - 1691

This is a portrait of Bernhard Waltstromer, made by Johann Reinhold Mühl in the late 17th century. It's an engraving, a printmaking technique that allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images. In the Dutch Golden Age, portraiture served a crucial social function, solidifying status and lineage through imagery. Look at the fine details, the lace collar, and the confident gaze of Waltstromer, which tell us about his status within society. The very act of commissioning and displaying such a portrait spoke volumes about one's place in the Dutch Republic's social hierarchy. Institutional archives can reveal more about the relationship between artists and their patrons. This particular print would have served to circulate the image of Waltstromer, fixing his legacy in the public consciousness. These portraits reflect the values of the Dutch Republic and reinforce social norms.