Daden en handelingen van paus Innocentius XI 1676 - 1689

This undated print shows the "Deeds and Actions of Pope Innocent XI" and was created by an anonymous artist. The print is a fascinating visual document of the papacy, portraying the Pope as a figure of immense power and spiritual authority. The scenes depict formal ceremonies, religious processions, and papal audiences, all carefully designed to project an image of grandeur and infallibility. Created in the 17th century, likely in Rome, the image reflects the Catholic Church's efforts to reassert its authority in the wake of the Protestant Reformation. The visual codes are carefully orchestrated: the Pope is always at the center, elevated above the crowds, surrounded by symbols of religious and political power. Through such visual cues, the print seeks to reinforce the hierarchical structure of the Church and its central role in European society. Understanding this print requires looking into the history of the papacy, the art of political propaganda, and the social and religious context of 17th-century Europe. It's a reminder that art is never neutral: it reflects and shapes the social and institutional forces that produce it.