Portret van Albrecht III van Saksen c. 1601

Dominicus Custos made this engraving of Albrecht III of Saxony around the turn of the 17th century. It presents us with a set of visual codes that signal power and status in the late Renaissance. Look at how the image creates meaning through visual cues such as the crown, fur robes, and inscription. These elements situate Albrecht within a complex web of cultural references and historical associations. Made in the German territories of the Holy Roman Empire, the print reflects the importance of lineage, rank, and title in this society. The inscription below the portrait celebrates Albrecht as a pillar of the Empire. Custos made many such portraits for wealthy patrons. The Rijksmuseum, like other such institutions, plays a role in preserving and displaying these images, thereby reinforcing the historical narratives they convey. To truly understand this portrait, one must delve into the social and institutional context that shaped its creation. Resources such as genealogical records, court documents, and art historical scholarship help to reveal the intricate dynamics of power and patronage in Albrecht’s world.