Portret van Jean Gautier de Sluse 1658 - 1699

This engraving portrays Jean Gautier de Sluse, a cardinal, and was made by an anonymous artist. It is a study in the visual codes of power and status within the Catholic Church in the 17th and 18th centuries. The portrait, encased in an oval frame, presents de Sluse in his cardinal's attire, complete with the distinctive hat. The rich fabric and intricate details of his garments speak to his high rank. Below the portrait, a coat of arms adds another layer of identity, linking de Sluse to a noble lineage. The image subtly reinforces the hierarchical structure of the Church and its alignment with secular power. To fully appreciate this work, one might explore the history of the Catholic Church during this period and the role of individuals like de Sluse within its structure. Catalogues, archives, and historical texts are essential resources for understanding the institutional history of the Church and the social context of its imagery.