Submission of Frederick Barbarossa before Pope Alexander III during the signing of the Treaty of Venice (detail) by Francesco de' Rossi (Francesco Salviati), "Cecchino"

Submission of Frederick Barbarossa before Pope Alexander III during the signing of the Treaty of Venice (detail) 1563

francescoderossifrancescosalviaticecchino

Palazzo Apostolico, Vatican

textile

prophet

textile

possibly oil pastel

text

oil painting

portrait reference

acrylic on canvas

portrait head and shoulder

underpainting

painting painterly

portrait art

watercolor

fine art portrait

This detail from Francesco Salviati's fresco, "Submission of Frederick Barbarossa before Pope Alexander III during the signing of the Treaty of Venice," depicts a powerful moment in history. Painted in 1563, the work captures the submission of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa to Pope Alexander III, symbolizing the power of the papacy. The fresco, located in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, highlights the dramatic and symbolic significance of this historic event, showcasing Salviati's skill in rendering intricate details and capturing the essence of the scene. The artist's use of color and composition effectively conveys the power dynamics between the two figures, with the Emperor's gesture of submission emphasizing the Pope's authority. This work is a testament to the enduring legacy of the papacy and the intricate relationship between Church and state during the medieval period.