Μουσεία Βατικανού 4

Emperor Constantine kneels in a large marble font while the Pope, depicted with the features of Clement VII, pours water over his head. The central scene is framed by monumental architecture, flanked by enthroned popes and allegorical female figures representing virtues like Innocence and Meekness. Above, the vaulted ceiling is decorated with papal coats of arms, putti, and decorative grotesques from the late Renaissance period.

This work represents the Church's effort to synthesize imperial Roman history with Christian theology, asserting the divine legitimacy of papal authority through the conversion of the first Christian emperor. It reflects the High Renaissance interest in 'renovatio Romae' (the renewal of Rome) and the use of classical architectural forms to house sacred history.