Portret van Konrad von Querfurt 1713

This engraving of Konrad von Querfurt was made by Johann Salver the Elder in the late 17th or early 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the intricate relationship between power, religion, and representation in the Holy Roman Empire. Konrad von Querfurt was a bishop of Hildesheim in the early 13th century. The image presents him as a dignified religious figure, complete with clerical garments and a coat of arms. But it also subtly conveys the complex web of political alliances and familial ties that underpinned his authority. Made during a period of religious and political upheaval in Europe, this print reflects the ways in which religious institutions sought to legitimize their power through visual means. As historians, we can analyze such images alongside other historical sources like church records, political pamphlets, and personal letters to gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped artistic production.