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Jan Visscher

Portrait of Cardinal Zacharias de Mez

c. 1661
Engraving on ivory laid paper
43 × 28.5 cm (16.9 × 11.2 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

For centuries printmaking has been used as a tool for religious propaganda, spreading images of idolized figures to followers across the world for use in daily ritual. Jan Visscher’s posthumous portrait of the Belgian Cardinal Zacharias de Mez appears in an early, unlettered proof state and lacks all identifying features beyond his coat of arms. While he maintains a challenging, omniscient gaze, he is more recognizable to the masses as a religious figure through his miter, robe, and crucifix.

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