Portret van Alexander Farnese 1842

This is Edouard Hamman's "Portret van Alexander Farnese," an intimate etching made in the 19th century. Hamman, working in Belgium during a time of burgeoning national identity, revives a figure from the past. Farnese, a celebrated military leader of the 16th century, is rendered here with a palpable sense of authority. His armor, the symbol of his power, is etched with a delicate hand, contrasting with the softness of his face. The gaze is direct, almost confrontational. What does it mean to resurrect this figure in 19th century Belgium? Was Hamman questioning the concept of heroism or was he idealizing a past age? The print invites us to consider the role of historical figures in shaping national consciousness, and how the legacies of power continue to resonate across time. The act of remembering is, after all, always a political one.