Representations of Pope Pius VII: The First Risorgimento Hero
Roberta J. M. Olson
In the early decades of nineteenth century, after his epic struggle with Napoleon, Pope Pius VII became an international celebrity and was regarded as a quasi-saint. His visage, which frequently represented throughout Europe, connoted many, often conflicting, ideas to various factions, including passive resistance European nationalism in general, moderate liberalism, Catholic Revival, preservation status quo (monarchies principle ancien régime). examination major representations by such artists David, Camuccini, Wilkie, Pinelli, Minardi, Lawrence, Canova, distinctly different flavor works Italian is readily apparent. Whereas non-Italian tended represent either adversary Napoleon or enlightened patron arts, produced more rhetorical, politically ideological symbolized resurgence civilization. Thus, he inspiration for Risorgimento, nationalist movement, catalyst Italy unite.
Art Bulletin