Portret van de Antwerpse abt Macarius Simeomo 1669

Richard Collin created this print of Macarius Simeomo, Abbot of Antwerp, likely sometime in the mid-to-late 17th century. The image speaks to the power and authority of religious figures in the Southern Netherlands during this era. Consider the visual language employed: Simeomo is depicted in formal attire, complete with a mitre and ornate robes. The portrait is framed by an elaborate oval border, further enhancing his status. Below, we see a heraldic crest, a common symbol of lineage and power in aristocratic and ecclesiastical circles. This imagery constructs a sense of reverence and respect, reinforcing the Abbot's position within the social hierarchy. Looking at institutional history we know that the Abbey of St. Michael in Antwerp played a significant role in the region's religious and political life. Prints like these served not only as portraits but also as tools for projecting power and maintaining social order. To fully understand this image, we might consult archival records, religious treatises, and social histories of the period. These resources could reveal the complex interplay between art, religion, and power in 17th-century Antwerp.