Portret van Antonio Rusconi, 33ste Minister Generaal van de franciscaner orde 1710 - 1738

Antonio Luciani created this portrait of Antonio Rusconi, the 33rd Minister General of the Franciscan Order, as an engraving. The piece offers insight into the hierarchical structures and identities within the 18th-century Catholic Church. Note Rusconi's attire, a symbol of his high-ranking position. The portrait employs conventional methods of representation, reinforcing notions of power and authority. Yet, it also hints at the complexities within religious orders, as suggested by the Latin text which mentions divisions and the establishment of the Vicariate General of the Observants. The artwork reflects not only the identity of Rusconi, but also the dynamics of his time, a period marked by both religious devotion and internal conflict. While the portrait immortalizes Rusconi, it also opens a window into the intricate social and political landscape of the Franciscan Order.