Portret van Ernst, aartshertog van Oostenrijk 1611 - 1614

Christoffel van Sichem I created this portrait of Ernst, Archduke of Austria, using woodcut. During the late 16th century, powerful families like the Habsburgs used portraiture to project authority. Ernst's armor, sword, and heraldic symbols aren't just decorative; they're carefully chosen to communicate his power and lineage. The architecture in the background alludes to his dominion over territory and people. It’s as if he's saying, "This is who I am, and this is what I rule." Yet, looking closer, one might wonder about the person beneath the armor. What were his fears, hopes, or vulnerabilities? The engraving captures the visual spectacle of power, but it invites us to consider the complex humanity of those who wield it. How might Ernst's identity and the trappings of power intersect with the lives of ordinary people under his rule?