Portret van P. Teius 1573 - 1610

Francesco Vanni created this print of P. Teius in Italy, likely around 1600. It portrays a religious figure framed by an oval border, an inscription, and religious symbols. Prints like this served a crucial function in disseminating images and ideas during the period of the Counter-Reformation. They fostered a sense of shared identity and purpose among Catholics in the face of Protestant challenges. The print creates meaning through its formal choices, such as the traditional portrait format and symbolic imagery that evoked religious authority and piety. The inscription explicitly identifies Teius as a founder and father figure. The use of Latin further connects him to the institutional church and the imagery of leadership. Understanding the context of this image requires attention to the history of religious orders, the politics of the Catholic Church, and the role of art in shaping religious identities. Research into the lives and activities of figures such as Teius and the function of prints helps us to understand its significance in early modern Europe. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.