Curatorial Narrative The “Flag of the Papal States” by an anonymous artist, likely a member of the Carracci workshop in Bologna, presents itself as a meticulously crafted devotional emblem within the strictures of medieval iconography. Executed between 1667 and 1670, this work typifies the ornate yet restrained style of its era, wherein figurative subjects were imbued with allegorical significance. The brushwork is fine and deliberate, bespeaking an attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. As we gaze upon the flag’s surfaces, we are met with a predominantly red field punctuated by fleur-de-lis motifs rendered in yellow, green, and white. This chromatic structure, reminiscent of the stained glass windows found in Gothic cathedrals, imbues the work with an otherworldly luminosity. When enlarged to 44×64 inches, the “Flag of the Papal States” assumes a commanding presence within a luxury interior environment. The palette, i