The Pope, plate ten from The Ranks and Conditions of Men

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Prints and Drawings department at the Art Institute of Chicago where we showcase "The Pope," plate ten from the extraordinary series *The Ranks Conditions of Men*. Created around 1465 by the anonymous of the E-Series Tar—a skilled engraver likely working in Ferrara, Italy—this small engraving (just 17.8 × 10 cm) captures the ecclesiastical pinnacle of medieval society. The pope, enthroned and adorned in papal regalia, symbolizes spiritual authority amid a hierarchy of professions, from artisans to rulers. Engraving on paper was a revolutionary technique in the 15th century, allowing intricate details—like the pope's flowing robes, triple crown, and symbolic keys—to be reproduced precisely from copper plates. Part of a rare set of 46 allegorical prints (divided into male and female "ranks"), this series reflects Renaissance humanism's fascination with social order and virtue, predating tarot cards while echoing their iconography. Produced in an era of burgeoning printmaking, it bridged illuminated manuscripts and mass imagery. Though unsigned, the Master's fine line work and Ferrarese style highlight early Italian graphic innovation, offering a window into how Renaissance viewers understood power and piety. A true gem for print enthusiasts!

About the Artist

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

The Master of the E-Series Tarocchi was an anonymous Italian engraver active in Ferrara around 1465, during the vibrant era of the Este court. His early life and training remain undocumented, but stylistic affinities link him to artists collaborating with Francesco del Cossa on the frescoes of Palazzo Schifanoia's Salone dei Mesi. Working in the Ferrarese tradition, he produced the pioneering E-se...