Tronende paus Adrianus VI 1727

Jan Wandelaar's print portrays Pope Adrian VI enthroned, surrounded by symbols of power and reverence. The most striking of these is surely the papal tiara, a triple crown embodying the pontiff’s threefold authority: moral, judicial, and temporal. This symbol, with roots stretching back to ancient headdresses signifying dominion, echoes in various forms across cultures. Consider the crowns of pharaohs or emperors—all variations on a theme of supreme authority, resonating with mankind's primal need for hierarchical order. The act of kneeling before the Pope, a gesture repeated throughout history before emperors and gods, reveals our deep-seated psychological impulse to submit to higher powers. This iconography taps into our collective memory, stirring emotions of awe and reverence, a visual echo chamber resonating across centuries. Symbols like the tiara are not static; they evolve, resurface, and are reinterpreted, shaping our understanding of power and faith.