The Pope

Wenceslaus Hollar after Hans Holbein the Younger after Abraham van Diepenbeeck

National Gallery of Art

The image is a detailed etching. In the central part, a group of figures is depicted. To the left, a person seated is wearing a long robe and a papal crown. Beside this seated person, a robed and hooded figure is kneeling, holding a tall staff with a cross. Behind them, other standing figures are visible, some wearing mitres and religious vestments. A skeletal figure is present, likely symbolizing death. The borders feature symbols like crowns, a skull, scrolls, and other artifacts. Above the central image, a shelf-like feature holds emblematic objects like an hourglass, skull, and another crown. Columns with floral decorations are part of the border, and at the bottom, armor pieces, weapons, and another skull are arranged. The background suggests a textured environment, possibly curtains or drapery.