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
Official Vatican Portrait of 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)
St. Louis, MO ~ Pittsburgh, PA ~ Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Rare Exhibition from the Vatican Collection Arrives in North America
Igor Babailov's Vatican Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI arrives in North America, exhibited along with the works of Michelangelo, Bernini and Giotto, in three-city exhibition
Vatican Splendors Catalogue