RAFFAELLO Sanzio
(b. 1483, Urbino, d. 1520, Roma)

The Battle at Pons Milvius

1520-24
Fresco
Sala di Constantino, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican

Leo X attached great importance to the new decorative scheme in this room for it was meant to confirm the Church's legitimate claim to secular territory. The papacy - like the whole Vatican State - was founded on a gift of Emperor Constantine, who was said to have granted the Eternal City to the papacy. Raphael's design satisfied the interests of Church politics, which were undoubtedly in the forefront of Leo X's mind.




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