Portret van kanunnik Maldague 1894

Willem Philip van der Veken created this portrait of Canon Maldague as a lithograph. Van der Veken lived in a time of significant social change in Belgium, marked by the rise of industrialization and shifts in religious and political ideologies. The portrait captures Maldague, a figure of religious authority, in a manner that seems to uphold traditional representations of power and piety. Yet, when we consider the history of religious institutions, we might reflect on the complex intersections of faith, class, and authority. Maldague’s role within the Church places him in a position of influence, and this portrait serves as a testament to his status. The careful rendering of his clerical garb and the solemn expression on his face invite us to consider the weight of religious office and its impact on individual identity. It asks us to consider how societal roles shape our very selves.