Pope Urbanus VIII (Maffeo Barberini) 1627

Pietro da Cortona painted this portrait of Pope Urban VIII, Maffeo Barberini, showcasing the pontiff in his papal regalia. Note his gesture with his right hand, a subtle yet potent symbol of benediction or authority. This hand gesture echoes through history, appearing in ancient Roman art as a sign of imperial power, and later adopted by Christian figures to denote divine blessing. Think of the raised hands of emperors on Roman coins, and then recall the depictions of Christ bestowing blessings in Byzantine mosaics. The gesture evolves, yet its core meaning—authority, blessing, and divine favor—persists. In this portrait, the gesture not only asserts Urban VIII's spiritual authority but also engages our subconscious. It triggers a deep-seated recognition of power, compelling us to acknowledge the weight of history and tradition embodied in the Pope. The symbol resurfaces, transformed yet familiar, carrying echoes of past authority into the present.