Portret van de bisschop Joseph de Bergaigne 1648 - 1697

This engraving of Bishop Joseph de Bergaigne was made in the Netherlands by Paulus Pontius in the 17th century. The image presents us with an important figure from the Catholic Church in the Netherlands, a region that, at this time, was undergoing significant religious and political upheaval. Portraits such as this, rendered in the precise medium of engraving, were critical tools for disseminating images of power. Here we see the Bishop framed by his coat-of-arms, which acts as a clear marker of status and lineage. These markers were highly valued in a society structured around inherited privilege. Moreover, the Latin inscription below serves to further legitimize his authority by referencing his various titles and positions within both the church and the state. Understanding the social and institutional histories of figures like Bishop Bergaigne requires careful archival research. By consulting historical records, such as church documents and political papers, we can begin to understand the role of figures like him within the broader currents of the 17th century.