Coronation of Pope Pius VI 1801

Antonio Poggioli created this print depicting the "Coronation of Pope Pius VI," which took place in Rome on February 22, 1775. The print captures the elaborate ceremony, offering a glimpse into the power structures of the late 18th century. Focusing on the figure kneeling before Pope Pius, we can see the rigid societal hierarchies of the time. This act of deference reinforces the Pope's supreme religious authority and also highlights the gendered power dynamics at play, given the Pope's position as a male leader within a patriarchal institution. The people in the crowd, rendered with meticulous detail, represent a cross-section of society, each with their own relationship to the church's authority. This work isn't just a historical record; it's a meditation on the relationship between spiritual authority, gender, and social identity. It invites us to reflect on how these power dynamics continue to shape our world today.