The Woman Behind A Lost Velasquez Was A Baroque-Era Feminist – And The Pope’s Lover

Now this is a worthy portrait subject: “Olimpia Maidalchini Pamphilj was the power behind the papal throne, and the reputed lover as well as sister-in-law of Pope Innocent X. Nicknamed Papessa – the lady pope – Donna Olimpia was an ardent feminist, championing Rome’s prostitutes and nuns alike.” – The Observer (UK)