Portret van Filips van Rouveen 1866 - 1868

Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben made this print of Filips van Rouveen, likely in the mid-19th century, using a technique that allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images. This portrait presents Rouveen, a Catholic Archbishop, within a visual language of power and authority. The elaborate vestments, the mitre, and the coat of arms all work together to communicate Rouveen's high status within the church hierarchy. Made in the Netherlands, this image reflects the complex social dynamics of a country with both Catholic and Protestant populations, where religious identity played a significant role in shaping social and political life. The work can be read as a statement about the enduring power and visibility of the Catholic Church within Dutch society. Understanding this print requires attention to the history of religious institutions in the Netherlands, which can be found in archives, historical societies, and libraries. We can consider it a cultural artifact shaped by social and institutional forces.