Pope Gregory XV  1622

by Guercino

Slanting light falls across the upper section of the painting, placing the left side of the sitter's face in shadow. He looks out of the picture, his eyes expressing weary concern. Shown in the act of reading a book at a small table, he seems more scholarly and retiring than powerfully vigorous. [br] In 1621 Guercino was called to Rome from Bologna to paint this portrait...
Credit: 
Courtesy of The Getty