Portret van Christoph Bernhard von Galen, bisschop van Münster 1675

Christiaan Hagen created this print of Christoph Bernhard von Galen, Bishop of Münster, sometime in the late 17th century, using etching. Hagen’s portrait provides insight into the complex relationship between religious authority, political power, and military might in the fragmented landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. Von Galen, holding a bishop's mitre and wearing a military-style doublet, embodies this intersection. In the background, we see the siege of a city, alluding to von Galen's reputation as a "war bishop," a man who wielded both spiritual and temporal power. Made in the Dutch Republic, this print reflects the Dutch perspective on their bellicose neighbor to the east. Understanding this image requires us to delve into the history of the Bishopric of Münster and its role in the conflicts of the period, such as the Franco-Dutch War. Through sources such as diplomatic correspondence and military records, we can interpret the meaning of this image and its reflection on the social and institutional structures of its time.