Portret van de Franse kardinaal René de Birague 1644

This print of René de Birague was made by Frans van den Wijngaerde, a Southern Netherlandish printmaker, during the 17th century. It depicts Birague in profile, emphasizing his status as a cardinal through the sharp, detailed lines that define his clerical garb. Consider the culture of portraiture at this time. Prints like this one served not just as representations, but as tools for constructing and disseminating power. The choice to portray Birague in profile, with such attention to detail, aligns with a tradition of emphasizing the sitter’s authority and intellect. Looking more closely, we might ask what role the church played in shaping artistic production and consumption in the 17th century. Exploring the archives of religious institutions or studying the patronage networks of the time could reveal much about the social conditions in which Wijngaerde operated. By doing so, we can better understand the complex interplay of art, power, and society in the early modern period.