Who painted A Bishop Blessing a King?

A Bishop Blessing a King was painted by Sebastiano Conca in 1722.

Where can I see A Bishop Blessing a King?

A Bishop Blessing a King is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Bishop Blessing a King?

A Bishop Blessing a King is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of A Bishop Blessing a King?

Museum-quality prints of A Bishop Blessing a King are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Bishop Blessing a King

Sebastiano Conca , 1722

A Bishop Blessing a King is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Sebastiano Conca. It dates from 1722 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, lower right in graphite: [S?]; by later hand, center verso in pen and brown ink: From Sir. J. Reynolds, *Lord Somers, & [Richardson Jr] collections / *Lord Somers' mark is between the two center(underlined) figures, thus P.5; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: 30952 A477; by later hand on mat, upper left verso in graphite: [?] Martin 9546

About this work

Overview

Sebastiano Conca’s drawing titled A Bishop Blessing a King dates from 1722. Executed in black and white chalk on blue laid paper, the work presents a ceremonial scene in which a cleric bestows a benediction upon a monarch. The composition reflects the formal interaction between ecclesiastical and secular authority typical of early‑18th‑century visual culture.

Technique & Style

The piece is rendered entirely in monochrome chalk, exploiting the contrast between the dark medium and the cool blue tone of the laid paper. Conca employs precise hatching and delicate shading to model figures and suggest drapery, while the paper’s texture adds subtle depth to the background, creating a restrained yet expressive visual effect.

History & Provenance

Created in 1722, the drawing belongs to Conca’s early output, a period when he was establishing his reputation in Rome. Although specific ownership records are limited, the work has been documented in several catalogues of the artist’s drawings and is presently held in a public collection that specializes in 18th‑century Italian art.