Portrait of Frederick V (1596-1632), Elector of the Palatinate after 1621

Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt painted this portrait of Frederick V, Elector of the Palatinate, in the early 17th century, likely in the Netherlands. Frederick V's image signifies more than individual likeness; it's a carefully constructed representation of power, legitimacy and religious affiliation. His lace collar, ornate armour and the chain of office are visual cues signalling his noble status. This portrait likely served a political purpose. Frederick V was briefly King of Bohemia, a move that triggered the Thirty Years' War, a conflict with profound consequences for the religious and political map of Europe. The painting then, exists not in a vacuum, but in the context of dynastic ambitions, religious conflict, and the very public role of portraiture in shaping perceptions of leadership. To fully understand this work, we can consult historical records, correspondence and other visual representations of the period, to understand better the complex interplay of art, power, and belief in 17th-century Europe.