An allegory with Innocent X who is seated on horsback on the right, figures represting Rome in the lowe left 1645 - 1655

François Collignon created this engraving, *An Allegory with Innocent X*, in the mid-17th century. The image presents us with an interesting depiction of the Pope set against the backdrop of Rome. But it's not exactly flattering. Here, Innocent X is shown riding a donkey, an animal often associated with humility but also stubbornness and foolishness. The figures in the lower left, representing Rome, appear to be in disarray, possibly suggesting a critique of the city's moral or political state. The putti in the upper register hold aloft heraldic devices of the Pamphili family to which Innocent X belonged. This was a period of significant upheaval in Europe, marked by religious conflicts, political power struggles, and social change. We know that the Catholic Church's authority was being questioned, and the opulence of the papacy was seen by some as excessive. The figures in the image seem to highlight a tension between spiritual authority and earthly power. To fully understand this piece, one might delve into pamphlets and printed images of the period. Through these sources, we can come to learn about the social and institutional contexts that shaped not only the creation of this artwork but also its various interpretations over time.