Graf van paus Paulus III 1696 - 1717

Editor: So, here we have Jean Charles Allet’s rendering of "Grave of Pope Paul III" from somewhere between 1696 and 1717. It's a drawing using watercolor and colored pencil on paper. I find the color palette rather soft and muted, which is interesting considering the grand subject matter. What leaps out at you? Curator: You know, it's funny, the muted colors almost give it a sense of dreaminess, like we're peering into a memory rather than a monument. See how the artist uses those almost cartoon-y columns to frame the Pope? It's like they are whispering "Look! Look at this important man!". What do you think they're trying to say about power? About the church? Is it celebration or something a little more… sly? Editor: Sly? Interesting. I initially took it as purely celebratory, almost reverential. But I see what you mean about the columns, almost as if they are theatrically presenting him. The reclining figures at the base, do you think they might be personifications of virtues, or something else entirely? Curator: Could be! Or maybe they're just tired. Building tombs is hard work, you know! I'm kidding...mostly. But seriously, I think we get so caught up in the symbols and what they *should* mean, we forget these artists were humans. They had deadlines, probably spilled coffee on their drawing, you know? It makes you wonder, how much of it is deliberate messaging, and how much is just...art? Editor: That's a really great point, about balancing the intended message with the artist's own personality and circumstance. So much to consider in a “simple” drawing. Curator: Exactly. And next time you're feeling blocked, remember that even artists depicting Popes in tombs might've just been winging it. Or at least, adding their own weird little flavour. Makes me feel better, anyway!