Portret van Francesco Filetto als de H. Jakobus de Meerdere 1660

This is Lucas Vorsterman the Younger’s print “Portret van Francesco Filetto als de H. Jakobus de Meerdere”. It likely dates from the mid-17th century in the Netherlands. This portrait presents us with an interesting case study in the politics of imagery. It uses visual codes and cultural references to convey meaning. We see the figure of Francesco Filetto, but he’s not presented in a straightforward manner. Instead, he is portrayed as Saint James the Greater, a key figure in Christian history. Why? During this time, the Dutch Republic was experiencing its Golden Age, marked by economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. Yet, religion remained a powerful force, and the depiction of individuals as religious figures was a way to elevate their status. To understand this print fully, we can consult period documents, religious texts, and art historical scholarship. Through understanding the social and institutional contexts, we can fully appreciate the contingent meaning of art.