17th century ITALIAN school - Lot 38

17th century ITALIAN school Saint Pius V Ghislieri Canvas 131 x 90.5 cm Antonio Ghislieri was elected Pope (at the instigation of Charles Borromeo) in 1566. He fought for the defense of Christianity, against the Turks, and against the Lutheran and Calvinist Reformation. He was beatified in 1672 and canonized in 1712. Our painting respects the tradition of the pontifical portrait, with the Supreme Pontiff seated in a red and gold velvet armchair, bearing his coat of arms, interrupting the reading of his breviary to turn his benevolent gaze towards the viewer. The best-known portrait of Pius V is by Scipione Pulzone (Gaeta 1550-Rome 1598), a version of which is in the Colonna Gallery in Rome, and another in the Archdiocese of Olomouc (Czech Republic). Giulio Clovio (Grizane, Croatia 1498-Rome1578) and Bartolomeo Passarotti (1529-Bologna-1592) also depicted this Pope. Our painting is closest to Passarotti's model, with the exception of the left hand, resting on the armrest in our painting, which is raised to bless in Passarotti's painting in Baltimore (Walters Art Gallery). [RM]