Procession of the Pope to St. John Lateran 16th-17th century

Editor: This print, "Procession of the Pope to St. John Lateran" by Antonio Tempesta, shows a long parade rendered with incredible detail. I'm struck by how it captures the scale and spectacle of religious power. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This print offers a window into the performative aspects of the papacy and its relationship to Rome. Consider how Tempesta, by depicting this grand procession, reinforces the visual rhetoric of papal authority within the city's socio-political landscape. How do you think this imagery functioned for its intended audience? Editor: It seems like it was meant to impress, to showcase the Pope's power and influence through public display. I learned a lot about the role of art in shaping perceptions of authority!