Portret van de heilige Franciscus Borgia c. 1660 - 1730

This is Gerard de Groos’s rendering of Portret van de heilige Franciscus Borgia. As a member of the Spanish nobility, Borgia’s life was shaped by the expectations of his class, and the religious and political tensions of 16th-century Europe. But after his wife’s death, he turned away from courtly life and instead embraced a life of religious devotion. De Groos’s print captures something of this internal conflict. A skull wearing a crown sits on a pedestal and is juxtaposed with symbols of Borgia's faith: Eucharist, chalice, and candle. The radiant halo encircling Borgia's head emphasizes his saintly status, his expression is thoughtful, perhaps melancholic. The detailed rendering of his garments speaks to the wealth and status he renounced. This portrait offers a glimpse into the complex negotiation between worldly power and spiritual devotion that defined Borgia’s life.