Portret van paus Pius IX 1842 - 1887

This is Carel Christiaan Antony Last’s rendering of Pope Pius IX. The papal stole, adorned with intricate emblems, drapes across his body, a symbol deeply rooted in religious power and authority. The stole, reminiscent of ancient Roman senatorial garb, speaks to the Church's appropriation of imperial motifs. We see echoes of this in Byzantine imperial vestments, where the mantle signifies divine approval and earthly rule. Yet, here, it is transformed, imbued with Christian iconography, a palimpsest of power, rewritten through the ages. Consider the weight of history embedded in such symbols. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts, engaging us on a subconscious level. This potent blend of spiritual and temporal authority creates a powerful force, continuing to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level.