Portrait of Cardinal Infante Ferdinand of Austria 1728

Anton Joseph von Prenner created this engraving of Cardinal Infante Ferdinand of Austria in the 18th century. The image presents us with a fascinating problem: how do we reconcile the spiritual role of a cardinal with the military garb and stance of a commander? Ferdinand held both titles simultaneously, embodying the close ties between the Catholic Church and the Habsburg Empire. Made in Austria during the height of the Baroque era, this print reflects the opulence and power of the Habsburg dynasty, which was expressed through elaborate dress and symbolic imagery. Prints like this served a crucial function. They disseminated the image of powerful individuals throughout the empire, helping to solidify their authority. The institutions of both the Church and the State were vital in supporting artistic production at this time. To fully understand this image, we would want to examine court records, Church documents, and other visual representations of Ferdinand to better understand the message this print was intended to convey.