Portret van Frederik Hendrik, prins van Oranje, en Amalia van Solms 1872 - 1908

This is an undated portrait of Frederik Hendrik and Amalia van Solms, likely a print, by an anonymous artist. The most striking element here is surely the armor worn by Frederik Hendrik, rendered in meticulous detail. Armor in this period was a high tech material, each suit the product of a highly specialized workshop. The skill required to transform raw metal into a protective and wearable form was immense. Think about the sheer labor involved: from mining and smelting the ore, to hammering, shaping, and polishing each individual plate. The smooth, reflective surface of the armor speaks to the great expense involved in its production. It was a commodity as much as a practical defense, its cost would have been prohibitive for all but the wealthiest individuals. Considering this image through the lens of its material production deepens our understanding, and reminds us that even seemingly straightforward portraiture is embedded in social realities.