Paus Benedictus XIII in gebed 1729 - 1767

This etching by Carlo Grandi depicts Pope Benedict XIII in prayer. The Pope is shown in profile, with his hands clasped in prayer, and his gaze directed towards a depiction of the crucified Christ. The image is framed by an ornate border with cherubs and other decorative elements. The detailed depiction of the Pope's clothing and the ornate framing of the image are typical of Baroque-era art. The scene is set in an interior space, with the background featuring a grand architectural setting. The artwork's small size (177 mm x 125 mm) suggests it was created as a personal devotional piece. The inscription at the bottom highlights the importance of this portrait as a visual record of the Pope's piety.