Portret van kardinaal Girolamo Buonvisi 1658 - 1679

Giuseppe Maria Testana created this portrait of Cardinal Girolamo Buonvisi as an engraving. The print is from a time when the Catholic Church wielded immense power, deeply influencing European politics and society. Buonvisi, as a cardinal, was not only a religious figure, but also a political one, his status conferring upon him considerable influence. The portrait, framed in an oval, presents him in his official attire, complete with the cardinal's hat, reinforcing his authority and position within the church hierarchy. These depictions served to reinforce the power and legitimacy of the Church. The choice to portray Buonvisi in this manner underscores the importance of religious identity and status in the social fabric of the time. This print is a glimpse into the way power was visualized and communicated in the 17th century. It reflects the complex interplay between religious authority, personal identity, and social perception during a period marked by religious conflict and political maneuvering.