The Pope (from the Tarocchi, series E: Conditions of Man, #10)

before 1467

The Pope (from the Tarocchi, series E: Conditions of Man, #10), before 1467. Master of the E-Series Tarocchi (Italian, 15th century). Engraving hand-colored with gold; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Dudley P. Allen Fund 1924.432.10 This engraving is part of the Tarocchi group marked with the letter “E,” and named Conditions of Man. This series outlines the social and hierarchical order of ten characters (Beggar, Servant, Artisan, Merchant, Gentleman, Knight, Doge King, Emperor, and Pope), starting from the lower grade and ending with the most important one.

Here, Pope (The Pope) is shown as a full-length male figure, facing front, and seated on a throne with lion armrests. He wears his papal hat, called tiara. The pope holds two keys in his right hand, whilst his other hand rests on a book placed on his left leg.