Paus Paulus V 1611

Crispijn van de Passe II created this engraving of Pope Paul V. Note the figure of the dog suckling infants, nestled in the lower left corner, a striking inclusion amid the papal imagery. This motif draws on the ancient Roman myth of Romulus and Remus, nursed by a she-wolf, symbolizing nurturing, leadership, and the founding of Rome. Here, it alludes to the Pope's role as a spiritual leader, nourishing and protecting his flock. However, the image is transformed; the wolf becomes a dog, softened, perhaps domesticated, reflecting the Church's attempt to tame and guide its followers. Consider the inherent tension: a wild, primal instinct juxtaposed with the order and control of religious doctrine. The inclusion of this ancient symbol invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of history, the evolving roles of leadership, and the subconscious desires for protection and guidance that persist across time.