Portrait of Pope Innocent X 1650

This striking portrait by the Spanish Golden Age painter Diego Velazquez (1599-1660) depicts Pope Innocent X, the head of the Catholic Church from 1644 to 1655. The oil painting has been referred to as ‘the masterpiece amongst all portraits.’ The English portraitist Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) even wrote that it was ‘the finest picture in Rome’. So, why is this painting so admired? 💭 Velazquez painted the Portrait of Pope Innocent X (1650) on his second trip to Italy. Here, the artist has captured his sitter with an intense realism. He does not idealise the Pope’s appearance. This accuracy and naturalism, coupled with the Pope’s direct gaze, is arresting to the viewer. Zoom in to see the wrinkles and uneven pink skin tone! Velazquez has combined rapid, dense brushstrokes with a high level of detail. The Pope’s eyes are especially intense; his stare is intelligent and cold. Before becoming Pope, Innocent X trained as a lawyer at the prestigious Roman College. He was politically influential and held several powerful positions in public office. His portrait expresses a sense of this shrewdness and magnificent authority. The Pope’s commanding presence is further suggested by the colour palette of the painting. Velazquez has included a fantastic array of red tones, from the glistening scarlet of the silk cloak to the crimson of the velvet curtains and throne. Against this sea of vivid red, the Pope’s white robes appear to glow. The throne is ornately framed in gold, which is also used to detail the shimmering ring worn on the Pope’s outstretched hand. In his other hand, Innocent X grips a letter. Once more, this symbol suggests his political authority and enormous influence in administrative matters. Should an artist depict their sitter accurately, or in an idealised light? How would you want to be represented in a portrait? P.S. If you liked reading about this painting, keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow’s feature… 👀🔥 Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham #