Stembiljet om een paus te kiezen / Kardinaalscel 1723

This print, made by Bernard Picart, depicts the voting process for a new Pope. The fine lines were etched into a metal plate, likely copper, before being printed onto paper. What’s fascinating is how the material and process give us insight into the social context. Engraving requires precision and skill, mirroring the meticulousness of the papal election. The print shows both sides of the ballot: one side where the Cardinal marks his choice in secret; the other ornately decorated, to be displayed to the other electors. Picart also shows the temporary cubicles where the Cardinals reside, as they wait for a decision to be reached. The act of printing itself – a relatively new technology at the time – allowed for the wide distribution of this image, offering a glimpse into the secretive world of the Vatican. Picart's choice of printmaking, with its capacity for replication and dissemination, democratizes the image, bringing the Papal election to a wider audience.