Natalia Tsarkova has been painting images of popes for over 20 years.
NATALIA TSARKOVA
The first assignment I had was in 1999. It was to paint Pope John Paul II for an official portrait. I was told that the Holy Father had a lot of portraits but he didn't have a portrait that could be used as on official portrait.
From there, Tsarkova's career as the portrait painter of the popes began. She has since done many portraits including five of Pope John Paul II and one of Pope Francis. Recently, she finished a portrait of Pope Benedict XVI.
NATALIA TSARKOVA
The picture of Pope Benedict XVI is like three dimensional—the holy picture. As if the pope were coming out of the canvas. In fact, it's like maybe he wants to get up and come out of the canvas to bring his message of peace and of love to humanity.
In this oil painting, Tsarkova included people who play a role in the pope emeritus' life—his secretary, Monsignor Georg Ganswein; his brother Monsignor Georg Ratzinger; and four consecrated women of the Memores Domini Association. These women are dedicated to the service and accompaniment of Pope Benedict XVI.
For Tsarkova to be able to paint an accurate portrait, she says she needs to enter into the life of the person and study the things that are important to them. As a result, she has had the opportunity to borrow some special papal items.
NATALIA TSARKOVA
So, I had the honor to have the Pope's ring in my study. I had also wanted the rosary to study it properly. But Carmela told me: this rosary is always is with the Holy Father. So how could I ask for it?
It was not possible because it's part of Holy Father.
Tsarkova was able to capture many other aspects of Pope Benedict XVI's life in this painting. For example, she included a cat since the pope emeritus has a special affection for his own cat.
In her portraits, Tsarkova tries to give a little window into the lives of the popes.
KG
