Portret van paus Pius VII 19th century

Tomaso Todeschini made this print of Pope Pius VII in Rome. The image shows Pius in an oval frame, with his name emblazoned beneath the portrait alongside a short biography. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of important figures. Making and distributing images served as propaganda in this period. Consider the specific details included in the inscription: Pius's birthdate, his appointments as Bishop and Cardinal, and his election as Pope in Venice. Then, there's the reference to the "violent occupation of the Papal States by France," a nod to the turbulent political climate of the Napoleonic era. How would the telling of this narrative shape opinions of the Pope and his power? To understand the print fully, we might consult Church records, Papal correspondence, and period newspapers to better understand the social and institutional context in which it was made. Only then can we better understand its significance.