Thursday, May 08, 2008

As seen in the Vatican Museums...

Pius XI in the glorious triple crown tiara...

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I do like this blog! The post about Hitler's visit to Rome 70 years ago is so interesting because it puts into relief the intrepid attitude of both Pius XI and his Secretary of State, Cardinal Pacelli. Those who oppose the one to the other forget that there was a total meeting of minds between Pope Ratti and his "dauphin". Rudolphus.

Jeffrey Smith said...

Who on earth is it supposed to be? Looks like a villain from an old comic book.

PeterHWright said...

Years ago, while visiting the architectural gems of Bologna, I made a detour to the town of Predappio where Mussolini is buried.

To my astonishment, the souvenir shops sold Fascist art and memorabilia. You could even buy statues of Il Duce striking various heoric poses.

All rather strange !

Anonymous said...

Jeffrey,
This statue is in the Paul VI collection of Modern Religious Art in the Vatican Museums. It should be called "The Paul VI Collection of Crusty and Vaguely Religious but Mostly Just Really Really Really Really Hideously Ugly Art!"

M.J. said...

"This statue is in the Paul VI collection of Modern Religious Art in the Vatican Museums."

That gallery is best viewed by looking straight up at the Borgia ceilings the whole time.

Anonymous said...

Only fitting in that the Borgia Pope Alex VI was evil.

Anonymous said...

The myth of Pope Alexander VI being evil was invented by the ennemies of Spain and the Church (Protestants, Illuminists, etc.). Pope Borgia was neither better nor worst than the other Popes of the Renaissance. In doctrinal matters he was excellent. In politics he was clever. You should read the Oreste Ferrara's biography on Alexander VI. R.V.R.