Portret van Karel de Grote in medaillon binnen rechthoekige omlijsting met ornamenten 1594

Nicolaes de Bruyn created this engraving of Charlemagne in a medallion within a rectangular frame, sometime between 1571 and 1656. Situated within an ornamental border of flora and fauna, the portrait revives an image of Charlemagne, who was considered the ideal Christian ruler. But why revive Charlemagne at this moment? De Bruyn lived through the Eighty Years' War, during which the Dutch Republic fought for independence from Spanish rule. The image of Charlemagne served as a powerful symbol of local autonomy, a figure who resisted outside domination. By portraying Charlemagne, de Bruyn taps into a longing for a heroic past and a distinct cultural identity. Interestingly, the piece also humanizes Charlemagne by presenting an intimate, accessible vision of a leader. The detailed rendering invites viewers to connect emotionally with a figure of power. De Bruyn's engraving underscores the emotional weight that historical figures can carry, shaping both personal and collective identities.