Portret van Innocentius VI 1660

Etienne Picart made this portrait of Innocentius VI sometime between 1632 and 1721. The print's formal structure is immediately striking, dominated by the oval frame that encases the profile of the Pope. The artist has meticulously detailed the Pope’s features and attire using precise lines, creating a textured surface that draws the eye. The composition relies on a clear contrast between the figure and background. Picart uses hatching to define the form, thus adding depth and volume to the Pope’s face and vestments. The details of the vestments, rendered with careful attention, signify Innocentius's status. Viewed through a structuralist lens, this portrait can be seen as a system of signs. The oval frame, the Pope's profile, and the detailed clothing all function as signifiers. These elements converge to communicate power, authority, and the historical context of the papacy.