Portret van Johan VII van Schönenberg, aartsbisschop van Trier c. 1600 - 1615

Dominicus Custos created this engraving of Johan VII van Schönenberg, Archbishop of Trier, at an unknown date. The print’s meaning is constructed through visual codes and historical associations reflecting the cultural and institutional context of the Holy Roman Empire. Custos was working in an era defined by religious and political complexities. The inscription around the portrait, including titles such as "Archiepiscopus Trevirensis," highlights Schönenberg's ecclesiastical and secular authority. The imagery is not just a neutral depiction; it actively reinforces the sitter's power and status within the hierarchical structures of the time. Further research into the history of the Archbishopric of Trier and the political dynamics of the Holy Roman Empire would give additional context to the print. Understanding the social conditions and institutional frameworks in which art is produced allows a deeper comprehension of its meaning and significance.