Pope Urban VI 1896

John Collier's painting, Pope Urban VI, presents us with a composition of contrasts, painted with precise naturalism. The rigid verticality of the stone wall is softened by the organic forms of ivy and lilies, evoking a sense of contained nature. The figure of Pope Urban VI, positioned off-center, is defined by the striking vermillion of his robes against the muted whites and grays of his surroundings. The colour and texture creates a focal point that draws our eye immediately. Collier’s meticulous detail extends to the textures of the stone and fabric, each rendered with a dedication to realism that speaks to the values of representation and the importance of visual experience. The juxtaposition of the man-made and the natural, the sacred and the mundane, invites us to consider how these dualities shape our understanding of power and spirituality. The painting ultimately functions as an exercise in formal relationships, where line, color, and texture converge to create a visually rich and intellectually stimulating experience.