Portret van doge Antonio Priuli c. 1618 - 1620

This is an engraving portraying Doge Antonio Priuli, made by an anonymous artist. Priuli was elected Doge of Venice in May 1618, a tumultuous period marked by the Thirty Years' War and internal political strife. The print captures Priuli adorned in the traditional regalia of his office, complete with a crown, ceremonial robes, and surrounded by symbolic motifs. These emblems of power are framed within an oval border decorated with angels and other figures, presenting an image deeply rooted in tradition and authority. However, it's worth considering the complexities inherent in representing leadership. How does an image like this reinforce or challenge existing power structures? What does it mean to portray authority in a time of uncertainty and conflict? While the image communicates power, it also reveals the vulnerabilities and complexities of leadership during a period of immense social upheaval.