Graftombe van paus Clemens XIV c. 1765 - 1810

This print by Pietro Vitali depicts the tomb of Pope Clement XIV. Note the allegorical figures of Temperance and Meekness flanking the tomb. The seated Pope dominates the composition; he is presented frontally, gesturing as if addressing the viewer, connecting the temporal world with the eternal realm. This motif of the seated figure—think of ancient philosophers or emperors enthroned—reappears across cultures, embodying authority and wisdom. It evokes a sense of stability but also detachment, a being elevated above worldly concerns. Consider the figure of Temperance, her head leaning sadly on the tomb. This posture, reminiscent of mourning figures in classical antiquity, echoes across centuries, signifying grief and contemplation. These gestures, passed down through artistic traditions, tap into our collective memory. They engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The symbols in this print demonstrate the cyclical progression of images, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and acquiring new meanings throughout history.