Portret van graaf Enrico Giovanni Dunnewald 1665 - 1698

Jacques Blondeau’s portrait of Count Enrico Giovanni Dunnewald is a testament to the visual language of status in the late 17th century. The Count is encased in armour, a symbol of martial prowess. Encircling the portrait is an elaborate frame, adorned with ribbons, emblems of prestige and rank. Consider the armour itself. It evokes not only military might but also the classical heroes of antiquity. This harkens back to the ancient Roman cuirasses, symbols of power and order, reappearing throughout the Renaissance in sculptures and paintings of rulers and generals. It is a visual echo across time, a deliberate connection to a glorious past to legitimize present authority. The psychological impact is palpable. The armor and elaborate frame create a sense of awe, reminding us of the cyclical nature of power. These symbols persist, evolving yet echoing their historical origins.