Portret van Adam von Herbersdorff 1624

This is Lucas Kilian's "Portret van Adam von Herbersdorff," an engraving now held at the Rijksmuseum. Kilian created this print to portray Adam von Herbersdorff, a prominent figure whose titles and affiliations are proudly displayed around his image. The artwork presents a man of status, deeply embedded within the religious and political conflicts of his time. The inscription weaves together his identity as a count, a leader of knights, and a Catholic official, all pointing to the intertwined nature of nobility, military power, and religious allegiance in 17th-century Europe. Von Herbersdorff's attire and the symbols surrounding him speak to the visual language of power. Yet, there's a tension in viewing this portrait today. We can acknowledge the historical importance of the figure, while also recognizing how such displays of authority have contributed to social hierarchies and conflicts. This image invites us to reflect on the legacies of power and the individuals who wielded it.