Portret van kardinaal Veríssimo de Lencastre 1658 - 1679

This is an engraving by Giuseppe Maria Testana, of Cardinal Veríssimo de Lencastre, made around 1670 in Italy. This portrait gives us an insight into the world of the Catholic Church and its relationship to political power in seventeenth-century Europe. Note the Cardinal’s formal attire and stern expression. These are visual codes that communicate his authority and status within the church hierarchy. The inclusion of heraldic symbols further reinforces his lineage, linking him to a history of power and influence. The Latin inscription at the bottom identifies him by name. The artwork was made in Italy, but the sitter was Portuguese. Portugal had restored its independence from Spain in 1668, just a few years before this engraving was made. The Cardinal was likely an important figure in the negotiations between Portugal and the Vatican at that time. To truly understand this artwork, we need to dig into the historical context: the relationship between church and state, the politics of patronage, and the social structures of seventeenth-century Europe. Resources such as archival documents, letters, and other period images can help us unlock its deeper meanings.