Paus Pius VII zegent kinderen tijdens zijn verblijf in Lyon 1805

Jean Jacques de Boissieu’s print captures Pope Pius VII blessing children in Lyon. At the heart of the image is the Pope, his hand raised in a gesture of benediction. This is no mere blessing, but a link to a lineage of divine authority passed down through generations. The raised hand, a motif found in ancient Roman art and early Christian mosaics, signifies power and protection. Consider how this gesture echoes across time, from emperors granting clemency to saints bestowing miracles. But in Boissieu's print, the gesture is softened, directed towards children—symbols of innocence and the future. The simple act of blessing transcends the immediate scene, tapping into our collective memory and psychological need for reassurance. The emotional weight of this image lies in the vulnerability of the children and the protective stance of the adults surrounding them. This tableau resonates with the archetypal desire for safety, connecting us to the timeless human experience of seeking comfort and security in the face of an uncertain world. The Pope, as a figure of authority, becomes a vessel for this universal longing.