Portret van Leopold Anton von Firmian 1727 - 1737

Johann Heinrich Störchlin created this print of Leopold Anton von Firmian sometime in the early 18th century. It offers insights into the hierarchical structures of both the church and society at the time. The portrait, set within an oval frame, presents Firmian with all the visual markers of his high status: his elaborate wig, his clerical garments, and the prominent cross. Below the portrait, Störchlin includes Firmian’s coat of arms and an inscription detailing his titles, emphasizing his lineage and ecclesiastical rank as Archbishop of Salzburg. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating images of power and authority. They functioned as propaganda, reinforcing the established social order. Examining such images allows us to investigate the cultural and institutional forces that shaped early modern Europe. Records from the Catholic Church and the Firmian family archives can give more insights into the life and times of this high-ranking cleric.