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Artist:

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.