Portret van kardinaal William Allen 1645 - 1657

Edme de Boulonois created this engraving of Cardinal William Allen. The print, now in the Rijksmuseum, embodies the religious and political tensions of the late 16th century. Allen was a key figure in the English Catholic Church during a time of Protestant ascendancy. The image presents Allen as a dignified and pious leader. His attire and the background landscape serve as visual cues, reinforcing his authority and connection to both the spiritual and earthly realms. Produced in the Netherlands, this portrait likely served as a form of propaganda, celebrating Allen's role in the Counter-Reformation. To fully understand this print, we can consult historical documents, theological treatises, and political pamphlets from the period. By examining the social and institutional contexts in which this image was created and circulated, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between art, religion, and power in early modern Europe.