Pope Clement X (1590–1676)

ca. 1670–71
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 620
Gaulli was closely associated with the great sculptor Bernini, who finished his Altar of the Sacrament in Saint Peter’s for Clement X. In this portrait, Gaulli was equally inspired by Bernini, who later carved a portrait bust of the pope, and Velázquez, whose celebrated portrait of Clement’s predecessor, Innocent X, he is known to have copied. Clement X is depicted in winter garb, wearing a fur lined hat (camauro) and sumptuous cape (mozzetta). Like portraits of kings, papal portraits were prized diplomatic gifts, often made in multiples and widely circulated; this is the finest of seven known versions.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pope Clement X (1590–1676)
  • Artist: Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Baciccio) (Italian, Genoa 1639–1709 Rome)
  • Date: ca. 1670–71
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 30 1/2 × 24 1/4 in. (77.5 × 61.6 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of European Paintings Gifts, 2017
  • Object Number: 2017.422
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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