Benedict XVI 2020

This portrait of Benedict XVI was painted by Raúl Berzosa, likely in the 2020s. It captures the former Pope in a moment of quiet contemplation, adorned in the elaborate vestments of his office. The image creates meaning through established visual codes. The gold fabrics, the mitre, and the ring all speak to the power and tradition of the Catholic Church. Berzosa was born in Spain, a country with a deeply rooted Catholic history. We might consider how this cultural background influences the artist’s approach to such a subject. Does the portrait reinforce the Church's authority, or does it offer a more nuanced perspective? How does it engage with the debates about the role of religious institutions in contemporary society? The answers to these questions are not immediately clear from the image alone. To truly understand this work, we need to delve into the social and institutional history that shapes its creation and reception.