Diego Velazquez, Pope Innocent X, 1650
I had to see what influenced one of the great British painters, Francis Bacon who created this after visiting Rome
Francis Bacon, Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X, 1953
The Velazquez portrays a stern individual, it would certainly cower the god fearing sinner, Bacon, certainly a sinner in the eyes of god portrays a resistance to the Catholic doctrine, a dark sinister caged figure.
The overall experience of this collection was one of disappointment, the remarkable collection is poorly lit, pre enlightenment masterpieces go unappreciated by the viewer, annoying reflections blind the viewer from seeing colours and painting technique.
The exception is this Caravaggio
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Rest On The Flight To Egypt, 1592
The positioning of this painting enabled me to appreciate its magnificence. Up until visiting Rome I have not really been enamoured by religious pieces, pre enlightenment, I had no interest in the subject so have never looked, however I now have a interest, not in the subject but the genius of the painting, I am not worthy.
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