Portret van Johannes Baptist Scanaroli after 1664

Adriaen Haelwegh created this print of Johannes Baptist Scanaroli, sometime between 1637 and 1761, using etching. The print captures Scanaroli, a Bishop, who lived to the age of 86 and was known for his virtue and generosity to those in need. Consider the power dynamics at play in this portrait. Haelwegh, as the artist, holds a certain level of control over Scanaroli's image and how he will be remembered. The Bishop's attire and stern expression communicate authority, reinforcing his status within the church. Yet the print itself, as a reproducible medium, democratizes Scanaroli's image, allowing it to circulate more widely than a unique painted portrait might. How does this image challenge or reinforce societal norms? While it upholds the church's authority through its representation of a high-ranking cleric, it also immortalizes Scanaroli’s commitment to charity, offering a model of piety. Reflect on how the artist shapes our understanding of virtue, power, and legacy in this historical portrait.