Reading Response: "Power made visible"

Name:
Instructor:
Course:
Date
Response 1
"Power made visible" is Jill E. Blondin's article, highlighting Pope Sixtus IV's work as both an urban renovator and a spiritual leader. In this article, Jill E. Blondin examines what the medal on Ponte Sisto and other projects make visible. The reverse of this medal depicts the pontiff as the urban projects' caretaker while the obverse portrays Sixtus as a high priest of Christendom (Blondin, Jill E). In her analysis of the Ponte Sisto bridge and other public works by Sixtus, Jill states that Sixtus commissioned projects that exposed Rome's renovation while passing a message of his sacred and secular authority Eternal City. They also proclaimed the success of this spiritual leader's papacy. Sixtus emphasized both his supremacy and the greatness of contemporary Rome. Blondin argues that the Pope "drew on antique symbols, sculptures, and buildings to create a glorious, new Christian Rome fashioned to represent him squarely in charge of the civic and spiritual dimensions of the city" (Blondin, Jill E). He exhibited his supremacy by extending his vision throughout Rome and not in specific areas like his papal predecessors.
I agree with Blondin's sentiments. Although he was a great supporter of urban development and art, Pope Sixtus IV's work seems to focus on self-interest and fame primarily. The use of medals on urban projects to commemorate art highlights a comprehensive effort to expose his role as an influential person. It may be interpreted as a symbol of the sovereignty of religious leaders. Although the projects commissioned by this Pope may have only reinforced his reputation as a dominant ruler, they serve as a record of Sixtus's grand vision of a papal empire. Unlike his predecessors, his role seems to fall in between a politician and a spiritual leader. This article is relevant in today's modern society. When internal and external forces threaten religion, some leaders exploit different avenues to portray an imperial strength image and maintain their authority.
...