Portret van Georg Wilhelm, keurvorst van Brandenburg 1615

Simon van de Passe created this engraving titled *Portret van Georg Wilhelm, keurvorst van Brandenburg*. During the 17th century, portraiture served as a powerful tool for constructing and disseminating images of authority. Here we see Georg Wilhelm framed by allegorical figures representing strength and virtue. He wears armor, signifying his role as a military leader, while the intricate lace collar hints at the wealth and refinement associated with his noble status. But beyond the veneer of power, Wilhelm's reign was marked by political and religious conflict, as the Thirty Years' War devastated much of Europe. In this context, portraits like this one served to project an image of stability and leadership amidst the chaos of war. While portraits of rulers often emphasized idealized traits, here, we also sense a certain vulnerability in Wilhelm's gaze, perhaps reflecting the weight of responsibility he bore during a tumultuous period in European history. The print serves not just as a historical record, but also as a reminder of the human complexities that lie beneath the surface of power.