Die Übergabe der Dekretalen, ca. 1511

About the Work

The right-hand section of the wall of the Stanza della Segnatura devoted to Justice features a depiction of the presentation of the decretals to Pope Gregory IX in the thirteenth century. The pen-and-ink drawing from the Städel Museum focusses primarily on the garments of the monks handing the legal codex to the pope. In the moment the drawing has been made, the composition had already been developed to its definitive form. The base of the papal throne is seen at the bottom; at the top the drawing ceases at a spot where, in the fresco, a figure is standing.