Portret van José, prins van Brazilië c. 1761 - 1799

Manuel da Silva Godinho created this print of José, Prince of Brazil in the late 18th century. During this time, the Portuguese Empire was grappling with issues of succession and colonial power. This portrait of José is steeped in symbols of power and intellect. His armor and the military emblems below speak to the expectation that he will be a strong leader. Meanwhile, the books and globe in the background allude to the importance of knowledge and exploration in governance. José’s androgynous presentation challenges traditional masculine ideals, inviting us to consider the complexities of identity within the royal court. Prints like this played a crucial role in constructing and disseminating images of royalty, shaping public perception and reinforcing the authority of the ruling class. This image offers a glimpse into the performance of power and identity within the context of the Portuguese Empire.