Arms of Carl Philipp von Greiffenflau, Prince-Bishop of Wurzburg 1750 - 1753

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo etched "Arms of Carl Philipp von Greiffenflau, Prince-Bishop of Würzburg," presenting a heraldic tableau brimming with symbols of power and faith. At its heart lies the coat of arms, surrounded by cherubs, a cross, and a trumpet-blowing angel, alluding to divine authority and triumph. Consider the recurring motif of the angel with a trumpet. This figure echoes through centuries, from biblical annunciations to Renaissance depictions of fame and glory. The trumpet's blast, a call to attention, becomes intertwined with notions of judgment and revelation. Even in modern political cartoons, the trumpet can signify a call to action. Such symbols tap into what we might call a collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of images and meanings. This heraldic display evokes a sense of awe, reinforcing the Prince-Bishop's spiritual and temporal dominion, while also connecting him to a timeless narrative of power and divine mandate. The visual language employed here seeks to impress upon the viewer a sense of established order and the enduring nature of authority.