Contemporary
Masterpieces We Admire
Artist: Nelson Shanks
Andalusia, Pennsylvania
Subject: His Holiness Pope John Paul II
Oil on canvas, 54 x 52 inches
The Vatican Museum
 Ihis
magnificent portrait fully captures the personal magnetism
and spiritual authority of the late beloved and revered pontiff.
There are numerous noteworthy features to this great painting.
First is the arresting face with the dramatic down-lighting
which gives the painting some of the quality of a journalistic
capture. This quality, combined with the commanding gesture
of the right hand, gives the image great authority, as if
we were witnesses to a moment of historic significance.
The Pope is seen in his white vestments in the interior of
Saint Peter's Basilica. The extreme dark of the baldacchino
(immediately beyond the Pope's left shoulder) sets off the
figure strongly. The sunlight pouring through the distant
window provides a counterpoint to the central theme of man
and vestments.
Mr. Shanks is noted for the extraordinary degree of finish
in the details of his paintings. This quality of total finish
here gives the subject great gravity and importance. We are
unable to take our eyes off the riveting expression on the
Pope's face. We are in the presence of greatness, both in
the subject and in the portrayal. J.H.S.
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