Portret van Paus Alexander VII 1661 - 1665

Pieter van Schuppen created this portrait of Pope Alexander VII using burin around the mid-17th century, a period marked by significant religious and political tension in Europe. The papacy, at this time, was both a spiritual and temporal power, deeply enmeshed in the dynastic politics of Europe. Here, Alexander VII is formally presented as a figure of authority, yet the artist's choices also reveal the complex negotiations of identity and power at play. Schuppen, working within the conventions of portraiture, captures the Pope’s humanity while reinforcing his elevated status through symbolic elements such as the papal tiara and keys. The Latin inscription at the bottom, "One Alexander is not enough for the world," speaks to the vast influence and reach of the papacy. Consider how this image functioned within the context of religious representation and its impact on the faithful. How does it invite viewers to relate to a figure who is both a spiritual leader and a political actor? This portrait encapsulates a moment in history when religious and secular power were deeply intertwined.