Portret van Lothar Franz, Reichsgraf von Schönberg, keurvorst en aartsbisschop van Mainz 1719

This is a portrait of Lothar Franz, Reichsgraf von Schönberg, Elector and Archbishop of Mainz, made by Martin Bernigeroth. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the Holy Roman Empire and the complex relationship between religious and secular power in the early 18th century. The image is heavy with symbolic meaning. Lothar Franz is presented in an oval frame, surrounded by the trappings of his office: his coat-of-arms, his miter, and his crosier. The inscription makes plain the extent of his titles. The portrait speaks to the social structure of the time. The Holy Roman Empire was composed of many smaller states, each with its own ruler. Figures like Lothar Franz were both religious leaders and powerful political players. To understand this image better, we can consult sources on the social and political history of the Holy Roman Empire. By understanding the context in which this image was made, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.