Portret van kardinaal Jean Lefebvre de Cheverus 1848 - 1853

This is Alphonse Farcy’s portrait of Cardinal Jean Lefebvre de Cheverus. Farcy, born in 1817, captured the cleric in a detailed print. It's interesting to consider Cheverus' life as a figure navigating the tumultuous waters of post-revolutionary France, where the Catholic Church was attempting to re-establish itself. Observe the Cardinal's vestments, the cross, the subtle yet clear indicators of power and status. These symbols speak to the visual language of authority in the 19th century, a period marked by shifting social structures. What does it mean to represent a man of God in a society grappling with new forms of governance and enlightenment ideals? The Cardinal holds a piece of paper; it signifies the written word and its power. Consider how Farcy positions his subject in relation to these symbols, inviting us to think about the negotiation between religious authority and emerging secular powers. This portrait freezes a moment in time, a delicate balance in a changing world.