Allegorische voorstelling met personificatie van de Rooms-katholieke kerk 1688

This allegorical print was made in Antwerp in 1688 by Martin Bouche. It presents a personification of the Roman Catholic Church, surrounded by symbols of religious authority. The central figure, likely representing the Pope, holds the keys to the kingdom of Heaven, symbols of papal authority. He displays a document referencing the Council of Trent, a key event in the Counter-Reformation. Putti and religious icons further emphasize the power and authority of the Church. Note the dove above the Pope’s head, representing the Holy Spirit. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating religious and political ideas. They served as propaganda tools, reinforcing the Church's legitimacy during a period of religious conflict and social upheaval. The Plantin-Moretus workshop, which published this print, was a major center of printing and intellectual exchange in the Netherlands. By studying these prints and their context, we can learn a great deal about the role of art in shaping public opinion and reinforcing institutional power. Further research into the history of the Plantin-Moretus workshop and the Counter-Reformation can provide even greater insights.