Portrait of Pope Leo X in a decorative border 1575 - 1620

This is Alexander Mair’s engraving, "Portrait of Pope Leo XI in a decorative border." Made in the late 16th or early 17th century, it presents an intriguing look at papal authority through the eyes of the engraver, Mair. The image captures the power dynamics of its time through its portrayal of Pope Leo XI, framed by religious and allegorical imagery. On top, the papal tiara and crossed keys of St. Peter are held aloft by cherubic figures, suggesting divine endorsement. Flanking the portrait, we see female allegories: to the left, a nursing mother, and to the right, Justice with her scales and sword. The composition reinforces the Church's vision of itself as a paternalistic authority. However, it's important to consider Mair’s position as the artist. What did it mean to produce images of power? How did his own beliefs and status influence the work? In the end, Mair’s portrait provides an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which authority is constructed and maintained through visual representation.