Portret van de Franse kardinaal Robert II de Lenoncourt 1636 - 1679

This is Frans van den Wijngaerde’s portrait of the French Cardinal Robert II de Lenoncourt, etched sometime in the 17th century. Consider the status of the clergy in the 17th century, as both spiritual and political leaders. Wijngaerde’s portrait presents us with a visualization of power, but also of aging. The Cardinal is depicted in profile, allowing us to observe every line and crease in his face. The artist does not shy away from representing the Cardinal’s age, thinning hair, and stooped posture. Wijngaerde captures the Cardinal’s physical being with a realism that also subtly challenges the notion of the Church as an infallible, timeless institution. Instead, we see a man, aging, and burdened by time, much like the rest of us. This portrait invites us to reflect on the intersections of power, mortality, and representation in the context of religious authority.