Purity of Heart 1752

Pompeo Batoni created Purity of Heart, an undated oil on canvas, during a period when artists were both upholding and subtly questioning the social expectations of women. Here, the artist presents a woman in a moment of quiet contemplation. Her serene expression and the presence of lilies, traditionally symbols of purity and innocence, suggest an idealized vision of femininity. But if we look closely, it is clear that Batoni is working in the tradition of the “history painting”, imbuing his sitter with a classicizing grace. She becomes an allegorical personification. The gentle touch of her hands upon the dove might be viewed as an attempt to present a more empathetic vision of women that moves beyond the traditional narrative. What does it mean for Batoni to invite us into this scene? He seems to ask us to consider what it means to have or to want a ‘purity of heart’.