Pope Pius VII on the Saône 1805

Jean Jacques de Boissieu created this print, "Pope Pius VII on the Saône," using etching, a medium that allows for incredibly detailed and precise lines. The print captures a moment in the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic Wars, showing the Pope's journey across the Saône river. What interests me most is how Boissieu situates Pope Pius VII within this landscape. While the Pope is the central figure, his power is subtly undermined by his position as a traveler, almost a refugee, on the river. The local population watches from the shore. In this period, the Church's authority was being questioned and challenged. Boissieu's print subtly reflects this shift, portraying a moment of transit and uncertainty rather than established power. The detailed landscape and the inclusion of onlookers emphasize the human aspect of this historical event.