Portret van paus Innocentius XI 1676

This is Pieter de Jode's engraving, Portrait of Pope Innocent XI. Made with burin on paper, the tight composition immediately commands attention. The oval portrait, bordered by cherubic figures, presents the Pope in a formal pose, his gaze direct, his hand gesturing outward. The meticulous lines and hatching create areas of light and shadow that not only define form, but also convey texture – from the soft fur trim of the Pope’s cap to the smooth skin of his face. The texture evokes a tactile quality, inviting a sensory connection with the image. The semiotic layering here is rich; the cherubs, the papal insignia, and the all-seeing eye function as symbolic markers of power and divinity, reinforcing the Pope’s authority. Yet, these symbols are not merely illustrative; they are integral to the work’s structure, anchoring the composition and guiding the viewer's eye through layers of meaning. Note how the formal, symmetrical structure of the engraving subtly underscores the rigid hierarchy of the Church while also engaging with broader questions about representation and authority in the late 17th century.