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Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV at Canossa

ca. 1770–75
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 643
Emperor Henry IV was excommunicated by Pope Gregory VII for his part in the Investiture Controversy that arose from imperial interference in the appointment of clergy. In the winter of 1088, a repentant Henry followed the pope to his temporary residence at Canossa and waited barefoot in the snow outside the castle for three days before being pardoned. The scene, rarely shown in the eighteenth century, perhaps found special resonance in nearby Bologna, the leading city of the Papal States. Ubaldo Gandolfi, an accomplished and expressive painter who also occasionally sculpted, conceived an original and picturesque compositional solution, sheltering Henry in a blasted tree trunk, his crown at his feet.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV at Canossa
  • Maker: Ubaldo Gandolfi (Italian, San Matteo della Decima 1728–1781 Ravenna)
  • Date: ca. 1770–75
  • Culture: Italian, Bologna
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): H. 23 7/8 x W. 9 1/4 x D. 7 1/8 in. (60.6 x 23.5 x 18.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Assunta Sommella Peluso, Ada Peluso, and Romano I. Peluso Gift, in memory of Ignazio Peluso, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.499
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Adoration of the Shepherds, Ubaldo Gandolfi Italian, Pen and brown ink and wash, traces of black chalk
Adoration of the Shepherds
Ubaldo Gandolfi
mid-to late 18th century
The Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple, Ubaldo Gandolfi Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and pale brown wash, over black chalk
The Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple
Ubaldo Gandolfi
1728–81
Decapitation of Saint James the Greater, Ubaldo Gandolfi Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over slight traces of black chalk
Decapitation of Saint James the Greater
Ubaldo Gandolfi
1728–81
Christ in Glory with Saint Lawrence, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and Saint Eligius., Ubaldo Gandolfi Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over traces of graphite
Christ in Glory with Saint Lawrence, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and Saint Eligius.
Ubaldo Gandolfi
ca. 1766
Reclining Male Nude (recto); Seated Male Nude (verso), Ubaldo Gandolfi Italian, Red chalk, highlighted with white (recto); red and black chalk, highlighted with white (verso)
Reclining Male Nude (recto); Seated Male Nude (verso)
Ubaldo Gandolfi
1728–81

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