Portret van Jules Mascaron 1666 - 1707

Gérard Edelinck created this print of Jules Mascaron using engraving techniques. The portrait gives us a glimpse into the world of 17th-century French clergy and the power structures of the time. Mascaron, as a prominent bishop and court preacher, navigated the complex intersection of religious authority and royal power. The Latin inscription below the portrait translates to “I spoke of thy testimonies also before kings, and was not ashamed," signaling Mascaron’s confidence in his role as a spiritual advisor to the monarchy. Edelinck's choice of the print medium made the image widely accessible. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating images of important figures, shaping public perception. Consider how the carefully crafted image reinforced Mascaron's authority while speaking to a society deeply invested in religious and political hierarchies. The emotional impact of this work lies in its quiet assertion of power. It invites us to reflect on the historical weight of religious institutions and the individuals who embodied them.