Jean-François Montessuy: Pope Gregory XVI Visiting the church of Saint Benedict at Subiaco (1843)

(metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA)

A nice costume piece from the French artist Jean-François Montessuy. Pope Gregory XVI (reign 1831-1846) is shown here while visiting the monastery of Saint Benedict at Subiaco (30 miles east of Rome). The pope is seen here when he emerges from the sacred cave in which Saint Benedict lived as a hermit. Notice also the Swiss guard with the large broadsword at the left. Painting from 1843.