Portret van Aloysius Contareno 1648

This is Pieter de Jode the Younger’s engraving of Aloysius Contareno, made in the 17th century. It’s a fascinating example of how portraiture served the interests of state. Contareno was a Venetian diplomat, and the image is filled with symbolic cues about his status and role. Note how the elaborate frame is adorned with heraldic devices and Latin inscriptions praising his efforts towards peace. These weren't just personal accolades, they were public declarations of Venice's commitment to diplomacy, its self-promotion on the European stage. The doge and senate invested heavily in such visual propaganda. Prints like these circulated widely, shaping perceptions of key figures. As historians, we turn to archival sources – letters, state papers, and financial records – to understand the full story behind these images. What did Contareno actually achieve? How effective was this propaganda? The artwork itself is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.