Portret van Arnulf, graaf van Holland 1745

This print of Arnulf, Count of Holland, was made by Hendrik Spilman sometime in the 18th century. It portrays Arnulf as a heroic figure from the distant past, complete with armor, shield, and spear. The print revives a figure from Dutch medieval history during a time of significant political and cultural change. The 18th century Netherlands was dominated by powerful families and was seeing the early stirrings of nationalist sentiment. Prints such as this contributed to the construction of a shared Dutch identity by invoking a noble lineage. The image of the lion on Arnulf's shield, a symbol associated with Dutch royalty, would certainly have resonated with contemporary viewers. Understanding this image requires us to consider the social role of art, especially its potential to shape national identity. By consulting historical texts and analyzing visual symbols, we can better understand its function.