Portret van paus Pius V 1590 - 1665

Friedrich van Hulsen made this print of Pope Pius V, but its exact date is unknown. What we do know is that it comes from a period marked by religious conflict and intense scrutiny of the Catholic Church. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perception. Consider the visual codes at play: the imposing oval frame, the Latin inscription emphasizing justice and divine guidance, the papal coat of arms, and Pius's stern expression all contribute to an image of authority and piety. This image was created during a period marked by the Reformation, and we can interpret it as a counter-reformation attempt to reinforce the image of the papacy. Understanding this artwork requires us to research the social and religious climate of the time, examining historical texts, papal documents, and other visual representations of religious figures. Only then can we fully appreciate the complex interplay of power, religion, and art in this portrait of Pope Pius V.