Paus laat zich kronen met tiara c. 1661

Monogrammist GK produced this print, Paus laat zich kronen met tiara, sometime in the 17th century. The print appears as an illustration within a book, likely offering a commentary on religious or political authority. During this period, religious and political landscapes were undergoing significant upheaval, marked by conflicts between Protestants and Catholics. The print engages with the charged debates surrounding the authority of the papacy, particularly within Protestant circles. The scene depicts the Pope being crowned with a tiara, which, in the cultural context of the time, symbolized not just religious but also worldly power. The act of crowning, traditionally a symbol of legitimate authority, is rendered here with a critical eye, suggesting themes of corruption. This image doesn't merely depict a historical event; it encapsulates a struggle over legitimacy, identity, and power. It reflects societal anxieties about religious authority, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex interplay between faith, power, and representation.