I’ve decided to analyze the piece of art, titled Portrait of Pope Innocent X, created by artist Diego Velazquez. This painting was created sometime in Italy during 1650. Velazquez was one of the top painters in the court of King Philip IV. I’d like to analyze the royalty influence in the painting, as well as the religious influence in this work of art. I especially liked this painting because at first, it seems so basic. After spending time analyzing it’s characteristics and appreciating it, this work of art appears to be a pinnacle painting of the Baroque period.
During the Baroque period, many members of the ruling class patronized the visual arts to a high degree. Trade with the Americas and different countries began to grow, and the demand/market for art began to increase. During the Baroque period, the visual arts had an increase in demand, and artists were enduring an economic boom. Velazquez created this painting while on a trip to Italy, sanctioned by King Philip IV (Wikipedia). As one of King Philip’s top artists, he traveled around creating many various works of art on behalf of King Philip, and even for himself. He created many works under the behest of King Philip. While this piece of work had a strong royalty influence behind it (mainly due to the appointed position of the king’s court artist), I would also like to think that this specific work was a proponent in the Counter-Reformation efforts of the Catholic Church (Wikipedia). It was beneficial for the Catholic Church, possibly to heighten the image of Pope Innocent. While this was simply a portrait of the Pope, doing this work at such a pivotal time of political and religious certainly had positive ramifications for the Catholic Church. This painting appears to put Pope Innocent in a position of glory and power, sitting in a large chair with elaborate, red clothing. In his right hand, he holds a letter addressed to him from Velazquez (Fahy).
More specifically, this painting was created when Velazquez visited Pope Innocent X in Italy, expressing his desire to create a portrait of Innocent. Initially doubtful of Velazquez’s painting ability, the Pope allowed him to create a portrait that Innocent X immediately fell in love with. The painting continues to be studied to this day, with even renditions of it created in the past few decades. A notable artist who studied this work was Francis Bacon, an Irish-born British painter (Wikipedia). He re-created this painting with abstract lines and colors, but still maintaining most of the portrait (done around 1950, Wikipedia).
The painting utilizes many trademarks of the Baroque era visual arts, including special lighting, strong facial expressions, emotions, and definitely a special attention to the fine details in this work of art. The Portrait of Pope Innocent X has indeed been hailed as one of the hallmark Baroque era works of visual art.
Sources
Fahy, Everett. A History of the Portait an Its Painter. (http://www.metmuseum.org/pubs/bulletins/1/pdf/3258522.pdf.bannered.pdf)
Wikipedia. Baroque Painting. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroque#Painting)
Wikipedia. Portrait of Pope Innocent X. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Innocent_X)
Wikipedia. Francis Bacon. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Bacon_(artist)#1950s)
dlfitzpatrick 
My initial reaction to seeing this picture of the Pope was that he looked very noble and had a little smile on his face which makes you not so afraid of him. Great job really describing Diego Velazquez and his background. I really like how much detail you gave about him and the Pope’s connection. I especially love this painting because of how vivid the red is and you can see all of the creases in his clothing, and the wrinkles on his face. Do you think that creating paintings like this of the Pope at that time would create a positive look on the Catholic Church?
You did a great job explaining the Pope, where he was from, and you had a very easy to read title. The picture of the Pope is a great picture and I think that this picture makes him look very noble and important. The way that Diego painted this was extraordinarily well done with the way he used so much detail. You did a great job explaining why you liked this painting as well. I like how you connected this painting with the influence of royalty, but you could have added more about the influence of royalty of this time effected the way this painting was made. You had some good information in your post and everything was well cited. Overall I think that you did an excellent job explaining what this painting was about. Do you think that the creation of this painting had any influence by the catholic church or only royalty?
This piece seems different from other Baroque paintings I looked into. Specifically, it doesn’t have a black background. It does, however, keep with the special lighting techniques used at the time. I’m not a fan of portraits because there is not much in them. There is no story told, no message sent, no purpose except to have a painting of someone. I like that the background isn’t black, but I feel there is too much red in different shades. specifically with the background compared to his pope-shawl. Two things have been on my mind ever since I saw this picture, however. First, what is he holding? It looks like the program for a play, but I can’t fathom why a pope would have that included in his painting. Secondly, is he wearing a dress?
Sierraowen: Thanks for the comment. I definitely feel that this painting would create a positive outlook on the Catholic Church. It appears as if the Pope is put in a ‘Seat of Power’ if you will, in a contemplative state. The way he comes across, he appears noble. If a first-time glance is done on this work, some may even argue that it may appear that he is frowning. Perhaps this assumed frowning-expression is the expression of disappointment geared towards the individuals that had left the Catholic Church. From a basic visual arts interpreter’s point of view, I would feel he is thinking, “Now, now, the Catholic Church has been around forever. Now it is time for you to return.” Just a different interpretation of mine.
Bapalm: The influence of royalty in this work of art is not extremely apparent by looking at it, but looking at the motives of why this painting was created definitely shows religious and royalty influences. A court appointed artist of King Philip, most of Velazquez’s works were done under his order/position if you will. Of course, I think Pope Innocent would not have had this painting completed and preserved if it had darkened/decreased his image in the eyes of religious folk (more specifically Catholics). Couple that with the fact that the Counter Reformation was in swing, the revival of Catholicism in members who had left was still at work. This image definitely had a positive impression on Counter-Reformation efforts. This work of art definitely had a royalty and religious influence behind it.
edclausen: He is holding a letter addressed to him by Velazquez. Unfortunately, we do not know the contents of the letter, but analysis shows that the letter in the painting was signed by Velazquez. The reason why his gown is red is because it is a liturgical color. Red is an enormous color in the Catholic faith, symbolizing blood and passion of Jesus Christ. Please see this link for more information -> (http://www.catholic.org/clife/lcolors.php)
Good job on your analysis. I love the fact that you talked about the background of the artist and how it was commissioned. That’s something that really adds depth to your blog. There is a clear connection to royalty here, as well as religion and I think you touched on both very well. Very good job overall.
I’m looking at this painting and I see something interesting in Innocent’s face. I see perspicacity in his gaze. Now, I understand that he would have been well aware of Protestant Reformation and the Council of Trent. Is the artist trying to put him in a very specific light? Propaganda comes to mind. Especially since the Catholic Church was trying to fend off the Protestant Reformation.
This painting first says to me: power. The pope sits in a position of greatness and almost seems to be looking down at the viewer. His gaze evokes power. I am glad you chose this painting. I would not call it beautiful, at least not in the traditional sense, but it is rich and well done. I think you are right that it is a painting done to up the status of the Catholic Church and the position of the pope as leader. He is wearing the ring that signifies his office, but what is the piece of paper that he holds?
Great job on you blog!
First and foremost, excellent write up on this painting. Still Life’s are the utmost interesting pieces of this time because it shows what was really important to the people of this time period. As you said the influence of royalty and power is extremely valuable in this painting, as it has been to people throughout time. What else is interesting about this piece though is that the Pope is not centered and it appears that this is so included with the Pope is what appears to be a bible. This is possibly pointing out that he feels, as possibly a pope should, that he could not be a man of such power without the word of god and god’s teaching. Possibly this could be a piece of propaganda by the person in power on the lower classes, i.e. if you truly believe in god and his teachings you could have this power as well.