Portret van Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros 1654 - 1722

This is Gaspar François Edelinck's "Portret van Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros," made using engraving. Edelinck was a Flemish-born French engraver, working in a time when art was deeply intertwined with politics and religion. Here, we see Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, a figure of immense power in Spanish history, known for his role as a Grand Inquisitor. The print not only commemorates his status but also reflects the complex dynamics of power, faith, and identity. Consider how the image of Cisneros, framed within ornate borders, reinforces his authority. How does it feel to confront an image of someone who wielded such influence during a period marked by religious persecution? Edelinck invites us to reflect on the legacies of those who shaped history.