In the preparation for the portrait the Vatican honored Igor Babailov with a special sitting
with Pope Benedict XVI to draw life studies for the Papal Portrait.
With His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
Scan copyright © Studio Babailov
Official Vatican Photography
Portrait of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
"The Truth, The Way and The Life"
Portrait of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
Oil on Canvas, 72" x 48" ( 183 cm x 122 cm )
Collection: Vatican, Rome
"This portrait is much more than an image, it is a painting of a presence. It catches the Pope’s shyness, physical presence and strength... one of the best portraits of the Pope I've ever seen!"
~ Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Recent World News about the portrait of Pope Benedict XVI by Igor Babailov was featured in the following publications (selected list)
Exhibition of Treasures from the Vatican Collection
Selected by the Pope for the Vatican Splendors museum tour in North America,
exhibited alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto and other Masters of the Renaissance.
Vatican Splendors Exhibition