Pope Francis 

Raúl Berzosa painted this portrait of Pope Francis in 2020. The image presents the Pope in a moment of contemplation, set against the backdrop of the Vatican. The decision to portray the Pope in a relatively informal manner departs from traditional, more rigid representations of the papacy. By positioning Francis in a less formal pose, the painting subtly challenges the institutional conventions associated with the Catholic Church, perhaps reflecting the Pope's own emphasis on humility and approachability. This choice also resonates with broader shifts in cultural attitudes towards religious authority, where authenticity and personal connection are increasingly valued. Historical documents can provide insights into the changing dynamics between religious institutions, their leaders, and the societies they serve, highlighting the evolving role of religious imagery in contemporary culture. By studying art like this we can begin to recognize the social conditions that shape artistic production.