Portret van paus Alexander VIII 1689 - 1714

This is an engraving of Pope Alexander VIII, made by an anonymous artist. Consider the historical context in which this portrait was made. Alexander VIII's papacy occurred during a time of significant political and religious upheaval in Europe. As an Italian aristocrat who became a powerful figure in the Catholic Church, his image was carefully crafted to convey authority. Note how the artist uses visual cues to emphasize Alexander's power. The papal robes, the elaborate ornamentation, and the stern expression all work together to project an image of strength and authority. But what about the man beneath the robes? What aspects of his identity are being emphasized, and what are being suppressed? The artwork invites us to consider the relationship between power, representation, and identity in a time of great social and political change.