Pope Gregory XVI Visiting the Church of San Benedetto at Subiaco
The Met
Artist: Jean-François Montessuy(French, Lyons 1804–1876 Lyons)
Date: 1843
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 49 1/4 x 55 3/8 in. (125.1 x 140.7 cm)
Credit Line: The Whitney Collection, Gift of Wheelock Whitney III, and Purchase, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. McVeigh, by exchange, 2003
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A vaulted, frescoed interior with men in robes, kneeling figures, and a central monument
Detailed Description
The scene is set within a grand, vaulted interior with a high arched ceiling adorned with frescoes. The lighting is dim, creating a subdued atmosphere. The ceiling features multiple arches and a central circular medallion, all decorated with frescoes depicting figures, some with wings, and decorative motifs in muted blues, reds, and browns. The walls also have frescoed sections, some showing figures in dark robes. In the foreground on the far left, a figure in a red and yellow striped uniform with a tall red helmet holds a halberd and stands facing right, partially obscured. To their right, a group of five men in robes stand on a tiled floor scattered with red rose petals and green leaves. The central figure in this group wears a white and red robe with a red cape, holding a book. Other figures wear dark purple or black robes. Behind them, a large, dark rectangular area is visible on the wall, possibly a painting or fresco. In the mid-ground, a large white marble monument is visible, featuring a decorative crest at the top and a large rectangular plaque below it. The plaque appears to have indistinct text. In front of this monument, a small table draped with a rich red fabric is placed on the floor, also scattered with rose petals. A set of white marble stairs ascends from the foreground towards the back right. Several figures are positioned on or around these stairs. In the foreground, a woman in a golden gown kneels on the bottom step, her head bowed. Above her, another woman in a white head covering and a dark dress kneels on a higher step. Further up, a man in a blue jacket and white shirt kneels, looking down. At the very top of the stairs, a figure in a red shirt is partially visible, positioned as if climbing. Other figures in various garments, including a woman with a white head covering and a man in a brown tunic, are also present on the stairs or to their right. Rose petals are also scattered on the stairs.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
