Lijkstatie van de paus 1700 - 1705

Hendrik Elandt created this print of the Pope's funeral procession, sometime before his death in 1705. Prints like this one were produced in the Netherlands during a period of significant religious and political upheaval in Europe. The Dutch Republic was a Protestant state, and its relationship with the Catholic Church was often tense. This print offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of religious and political power in the early modern period. It depicts a grand procession, with soldiers, clergy, and other dignitaries accompanying the Pope's coffin. Yet, the artist's perspective suggests a critical stance toward the pomp and ceremony surrounding the papacy. To truly understand this artwork, we must consider the historical context in which it was created. By consulting archives, religious texts, and political pamphlets, we can gain insight into the social and institutional forces that shaped its meaning.