Power and Importance of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church was one of the most powerful organization during the Early Modern Period. The Church had a large following, an immense amount of power, and an almost endless supply of wealth. During the Renaissance, a movement known as the Counter-Reformation occurred which split the Catholic faith and created lots of turmoil in Europe. After these events, the church wanted to solidify its dominance in the world. It did this not in a Machiavellian way, through brute force or fear, but through art.
One way that the Church would shows its power was through symbolism. The church does this with Castelfranco Madonna by Giorgione and The Adoration of the Kings by Paolo Veronese by creating a landscape that conveys the high status of the church. The painters did this by placing the Virgin Mary on a throne in the focal point of the painting above saints or other common folk to create a visual hierarchy. The hierarchical effect in the painting 'places' the church above all other figures in the painting, solidifying its power and social position in society. The paintings also show the wealth of the church through the truly intricate and ornately colored works of art that also have beautiful backgrounds created by two of the best artists of the time.
The painting of Pope Paul III by Titian is quite unique. The purpose of the painting is similar to the rest of the paintings, but the painting and the background information behind it are very interesting. Pope Paul III help the papal position during one of the most corrupt periods of time in the church. This painting shows the Pope with his two grandsons, which is quite odd since the pope should not have children, but at the time this was not uncommon. This painting instead showcased the wealth of the Church and the Pope through this freeze-frame image that captures the elegance of the figures. This painting also shows the Pope's power through his body language. This painting, though it is not as traditional as the rest, still serves the same purpose in society.