Bernardus en paus Innocentius II 1706

Francesco Raffaelli made this print, Bernardus en paus Innocentius II, using etching. The print depicts a historical encounter between Bernard of Clairvaux and Pope Innocent II, set against a backdrop of ecclesiastical power and spiritual authority. We can see how such imagery presents religious figures as paragons of virtue and wisdom. It reinforces hierarchical structures within the church. Consider the role of religious imagery in shaping societal values, especially during times of political and social upheaval. Note how the artist carefully composes each figure, using light and shadow to emphasize their importance and status. Ultimately, the print offers insight into how religious institutions wielded influence and how individuals navigated the complexities of faith and power during the time it was made. The act of viewing itself can be an entry point into reflecting on the legacies of power and belief systems.