Innocens X 1630 - 1678

Wolfgang Heimbach, made this portrait of Pope Innocent X with oil on copper, and it offers insights into the world of artistic skill and the circulation of power during this period. The choice of copper as a base is significant. Unlike canvas, copper provides a smooth, non-porous surface allowing for meticulous detail. Look closely and you will see how Heimbach capitalizes on this quality, achieving a porcelain-like finish that captures the Pope’s likeness with remarkable precision. The handling of oil paint is equally refined. The layering and blending, a painstaking process. Consider the vibrant reds of Innocent’s garments, achieved through multiple glazes, building depth and luminosity, and the lapis lazuli drapery. Heimbach’s technique elevates the work beyond mere representation. The inherent qualities of the materials—the sheen of the copper, the fluidity of the oil paint—contribute to a sense of luxury and refinement, mirroring the Pope’s status and the opulence of the Catholic Church. By understanding the labor, materials, and context of this artwork, we recognize the limitations of dividing art into neat categories.