Portret van paus Alexander VII 1638 - 1708

This is an engraving of Pope Alexander VII by an anonymous artist. It shows us how powerful people wished to be seen in seventeenth-century Europe. Here, Alexander is framed by symbols of his power: angels, inscriptions, and the papal coat of arms. Notice how the image blends religious and political authority. It was made during the Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reassert its influence through art and architecture. This was a time when the papacy was deeply involved in European politics. So, the image projects an image of strength and divine approval. Images like this were vital tools for shaping public perception and reinforcing institutional power. Historians study these visual codes to better understand the complex interplay of art, religion, and politics.