Penning met het portret van aartsbisschop Jozef Klements en de namen van de keurvorsten van Keulen 1685 - 1720

This is an engraving portraying Archbishop Jozef Klements, encircled by the names of the prince-electors of Cologne. Though the artist is anonymous, this piece encapsulates the intersection of religious authority and political power in the Holy Roman Empire. Consider how Klements, positioned at the center, embodies the dual role of a spiritual leader and a political figure. The outer rings, filled with names and dates, create a sense of historical continuity and legitimacy. As an archbishop, Klements not only held religious sway but also wielded significant influence in the selection of the Holy Roman Emperor, a testament to the intertwined nature of church and state. The visual construction of this portrait functions to reinforce his authority. Yet, the very act of listing past electors also hints at the transient nature of power, each name a reminder of the ebb and flow of history. The artist remains unknown. It invites us to reflect on the countless untold stories of those who lived and worked within these power structures.