Who painted Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI?

Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI was painted by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro in 1720.

Where can I see Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI?

Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI?

Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI?

Museum-quality prints of Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI

Domenico Antonio Vaccaro , 1720

Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Domenico Antonio Vaccaro. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1720 by the Neapolitan artist Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, the oil painting titled *Allegory of the Papacy of Clement XI* is part of the Walters Art Museum’s collection. Executed in the Rococo idiom, the work presents a complex allegorical scene that combines figures of authority, celestial beings, and a dynamic arrangement of color and form.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre stands a woman dressed in a bright yellow robe, clutching a red banner and a scepter, suggesting a personification of papal power. She is elevated on a pedestal while surrounding figures—some kneeling, others prostrate—appear to pay homage or plead for her attention. Angelic beings and cherubs hover above, reinforcing the painting’s theological and political symbolism.

Technique & Style

Vaccaro employs a highly detailed, realistic manner within the broader Rococo aesthetic, using delicate brushwork to render textures that convey the weight of fabric, metal, and flesh. The palette is largely subdued, punctuated by vivid accents such as the woman’s robe and the red flag, creating visual focal points amid a harmonious, ornamental composition.

History & Provenance

The canvas was produced during the later phase of Vaccaro’s career, when his individual approach to Rococo began to diverge from prevailing trends. After remaining in private hands for several decades, the painting entered the Walters Art Museum, where it has been displayed as an example of early 18th‑century Neapolitan allegorical art.