Johannes von Geissel

Johannes von Geissel, born February 5, 1796, and died September 8, 1864, was a German Cardinal and Archbishop of Cologne from 1842-1864. He was known for his conservative views and played a significant role in the development of the Catholic Church in Germany during the 19th century. This portrait of him was printed in the first volume of his collected writings and speeches published in 1869. His work is particularly important for understanding the religious and political landscape of Germany in the mid-19th century.