Portret van paus Gregorius XV op 67-jarige leeftijd 1621

Lucas Kilian created this engraving of Pope Gregory XV in 1621. It captures the pontiff at the age of 67, framed by ornate details and Latin inscriptions. Born Alessandro Ludovisi, Gregory XV's papacy, though brief, occurred during a tumultuous period marked by religious and political conflict. This portrait offers a glimpse into the power dynamics of the time and how leaders chose to represent themselves. Consider the weight of representation here. Kilian's engraving is not merely a likeness, it's a constructed image of authority designed to project power and piety. How does the choice of medium—the precise, reproducible nature of engraving—impact the dissemination of this image and, by extension, the Pope’s influence? Note the inscriptions, framing devices and the papal symbols at the top of the image. Reflect on how portraits like this one both document and shape our understanding of historical figures, reminding us that identity is often a carefully crafted performance.