Portret van Felix Rotondi, 77ste Minister Generaal van de franciscaner orde 1710 - 1738

This print of Felix Rotondi, the 77th Minister General of the Franciscan Order, was made by Antonio Luciani in the first half of the 18th century. The print embodies the visual codes of religious authority, framing Rotondi within an oval and including a detailed inscription celebrating his theological achievements and leadership role within the Franciscan Order. Made in Rome, this portrait is deeply intertwined with the Catholic Church’s institutional history and its self-representation through art. The Franciscans, known for their commitment to poverty and service, held a significant place in the religious and social landscape of the time. This image, with its formal presentation and Latin text, reflects the Church's efforts to assert its intellectual and spiritual authority. To understand this artwork better, one can consult archival records of the Franciscan Order, historical accounts of Rome during this period, and studies of religious portraiture. Examining this print through a historical lens allows us to appreciate how religious institutions used images to communicate power, piety, and intellectual rigor.