Portret van Pasquale de Aragona c. 1660 - 1685

Johann Martin Lerch made this print of Pasquale de Aragona, Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo, sometime between 1643 and 1693. Consider how this portrait participates in the construction of identity and power. In the 17th century, the Catholic Church was a major political and cultural force, and men like Aragona held immense influence. This print flattens his identity into an image of power and authority. Lerch's decision to portray Aragona in this way reflects the conventions of portraiture at the time, which often emphasized the subject's social status. What do you think about the way traditional representations of power are maintained here, and how does this impact our understanding of individuals within these systems? Think about how this portrayal might contrast with the personal experiences and beliefs of Aragona himself.