1651
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Pope is a 1651 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a dramatic scene with a mix of living and skeletal figures. In the center, a robed man kneels beside a dying figure on the ground, while others stand around holding religious symbols. Skeletons and skulls appear in the background and along the edges, creating a stark contrast with the human figures. The whole scene is framed by decorative borders with more skulls and tools, giving it a heavy, symbolic feel. The text at the bottom is in Latin, hinting at a deeper meaning tied to religion or power. The artist used sharp lines and shading to create depth, which was common in this style. Next, look up etching to see how this technique works.
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
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