Portret van Alfonsus van Liguori 1804 - 1842

Heinrich Gustav Adolf Leybold created this print of Alfonsus van Liguori sometime in the early 19th century. Religious imagery like this fulfilled important social functions in Europe, especially after the upheavals of the French Revolution. Prints like this reinforced traditional hierarchies, particularly the authority of the Catholic Church, by visually representing its key figures. The Bishop is depicted kneeling on a cloud, embracing himself, while a halo surrounds his head. This iconography signifies his holiness. Consider the time in which this was made; the print served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing religious values amidst social change. To fully understand this print, we can examine the religious institutions and social structures of 19th-century Europe. Scholarly resources, such as historical archives and theological texts, provide valuable context. Understanding the social and institutional context is key to interpreting its enduring significance.