Portret van Rinaldo d'Este 1662

Pieter van Schuppen’s engraving captures Rinaldo d’Este, presenting him as both Cardinal and Bishop through the inscribed text. The oval frame around Rinaldo, reminiscent of ancient cameos, sets a stage for symbolic interpretation, echoing the Roman concept of ‘imago clipeata’ - a portrait within a shield. Consider the mitre in the coat-of-arms below, a symbol of episcopal authority that has roots in ancient headdresses, evolving through religious contexts to signify power. Much like the halo in early Christian art, its recurring presence marks a continuous thread of religious symbolism. Observe, too, the psychological weight carried by the gaze of Rinaldo: the eyes, slightly averted, convey introspection, inviting us to ponder the complexities of religious and political identity. Such depictions engage our collective memory, connecting us to the archetypal struggles of power and faith. Thus, this engraving is not merely a portrait but a tableau of enduring symbols, their meanings layered through centuries of cultural transmission.