An Allegorical Figure Painting the Portrait of Pope Innocent IX

The print originates from the anthology entitled Effigies Nomina et Cognomina, which was produced by Rossi?s Roman publishing house. Its frontispiece, too, was conceived in harmony with the contents of the book which included portraits of the currently living cardinals. The female figure, probably representing the Church, holds a canvas on which another allegorical figure is painting a portrait of Pope Innocent XI. The engraving originally served as a model for the portraits of cardinals appointed by Pope Clement IX, the latter being captured on the first imprint. As soon as Pope Innocent XI was enthroned, the earlier frontispiece was adapted to the new conditions. The print enjoyed much recognition. One of the expressions of its artistic acclaim was that it was re-made for the book Roma sancta sive Benedicti XIII., published in Augsburg in 1726.