Portret van Michael Stephan Radziejowski, primaat van Polen 1670 - 1713

Pieter Schenk etched this portrait of Michael Stephan Radziejowski, Primate of Poland. Note the Primate's elaborate garb, especially the mitre, a symbol of ecclesiastical authority that echoes the headdresses of ancient rulers and priests. Below the portrait, a coat of arms presents a condensed visual history, emblematic of lineage and power, not unlike the family crests found in medieval tapestries. The Primate's vestments recall the opulent fabrics depicted in Byzantine mosaics, symbols of power and divine favor. Such display connects him to a lineage of powerful figures who used visual cues to assert dominance. The circular frame containing the portrait reminds one of the Roman tradition of portrait medallions, and echoes a sense of timelessness and continuity, transcending temporal boundaries. Just as those medallions immortalized emperors, this print immortalizes Radziejowski, linking him to a broader history of authority and representation. It is a potent reminder of how symbols persist, evolving yet retaining echoes of their origins.