Paus met tijdlijn van pauzen op zijn gewaad c. 1740

This print presents a full-length portrait of a pope, adorned with a timeline of popes on his robe. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the figure’s height and hierarchical status. The linear precision of the engraving, with its controlled lines and meticulously detailed textures, creates a visual order that reflects the rigid structure of the Church. Note the strategic use of text as an integral element of the composition. The timeline functions not just as information but as a pattern that reinforces the pope’s authority. The artist uses semiotic codes to convey power and succession. The cross, papal regalia, and Vatican backdrop symbolize spiritual authority and historical continuity, while the checkered floor adds a sense of depth. The overall structure of the image reflects a concern with order, lineage, and the systematization of knowledge, typical of its time. The arrangement doesn't just present information but also embodies it through form.