Portret van Petrus Loselius 1642 - 1721

Etienne Picart created this print, "Portret van Petrus Loselius," using etching. The portrait depicts Petrus Loisel, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and the University of Paris during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a period marked by significant religious and intellectual ferment in France. The visual codes here are fascinating. Loisel is framed in an oval, adorned with Latin inscriptions that highlight his titles and virtues, presenting him as a pillar of the church and academia. The detailed etching captures the textures of his vestments, emphasizing his status and the institutional power he wielded. France at this time was under the influence of the Catholic Church and Louis XIV's absolutist rule. Loisel's role as Chancellor reflects the close ties between the Church and State, institutions that shaped artistic production. To fully understand this portrait, it is important to delve into the archives of the University of Paris and Church records. This is a print that testifies to the social and institutional forces that shaped its creation.