Manchester Gallery Research Task

The Government of Pope Benedict

This scene representing the government of Pope Benedict XIV. The central female figure sits on a throne beneath a red, draped canopy and two cherubs to her right holding a portrait of the Pope. And above them, one cherub holds a crown. A second female figure sits with another cherub to the bottom right which is leaning against a second portrait. Two more women sit to the bottom left; one gazing into a mirror and the other holding an open book.

This painting was created by Sebastiano Conca (1680 - 1764). He has used oil on canvas to create this piece. Conca has used various dulled colours, typical of Baroque paintings, as well as using various objects such as the portraits and crown to establish power. He has also used many curved lines which flow throughout the piece as well as defining the piece with a golden boarder. I believe this represents the idea of a higher power controlling everything as it is surrounding the whole piece. Throughout this piece there aren't many thick or straight lines showing that Conca wasn't drawing from observation as the piece is cropped due to the boarder. In addition there are mythical creatures such as cupids therefore it was drawn from interpretation or a bible story. As the portrait of the Pope is involved, I believe that this was representing the Pope's place among the angels as the Pope is perceived to be the most holy on earth after Jesus. The portrait shows his place is reserved among them. Conca has created various different shapes such as circles and free formed shapes. These shapes show that this was drawn from interpretation rather than observational. Moreover as the shapes in the piece are overlapped it obscures other shapes as parts are hidden behind. Throughout this piece there are various different tones and highlights. The edges of the piece are darker and flat compared to the centre of the image which involves various highlights and strong tones which contrast with the background, emphasising glory and importance. There are shadows within this piece as I believe is represents heaven therefore there is constant light creating these shadows. Though this piece is detailed, there isn't that much texture pattern. The background has areas of texture but other than that the rest is just dulled colours. As i believe this piece was interpreted by Conca from bible stories or the Pope himself. In addition the space between the various objects and people is little and Conca has created a chaotic composition. This focuses the viewer's eyes towards the middle, to focus on the importance of religion and the Pope. The various different objects and people are overlapping therefore this composition was thought out, creating depth to the piece.