Portret van Franciscus Redenaschus op 47-jarige leeftijd 1620 - 1687

François Collignon created this engraving, "Portrait of Franciscus Redenaschus at age 47," sometime in the 17th century. The image gives us insights into the social and institutional context of its time. Collignon was active in France and Italy, and this portrait depicts a member of the Milanese elite, underscoring the importance of civic identity and status in that society. Redenaschus's fur-lined robe and the elaborate frame around his portrait denote wealth and importance, as does the inclusion of his coat-of-arms, which carries the inscription, "To serve God is to reign". The Latin text framing his portrait indicates Redenaschus was a doctor of law and a senator of Milan. To understand this image fully, one would research the Redenaschus family and the role of the Senate in Milan during the 1600s. We can use portraits like this as primary sources for understanding the values and hierarchies of early modern Europe.