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Abstract: AN ISSUE OF CONVENIENCE. POLITICAL PAINTING AND CENSORSHIP IN ROME IN 1630 on December 4,1630, the chronicles register an unusual event: an official of apostolic Datary, one Mr. Causeo, whose dates are unknown, ordered the façade of his dwelling decorated. The fresco represented the Pontiff, Urban VIII, decreeing peace between the Emperor and the King of France al the end of the war of succession for the Duchy of Mantua. The wall painting also depicted the Duke of Savoy in such a way that portrayed him more as an ordinary soldier than a great Lord. These facts that is the political subject of the fresco, its position on the official’s abode, and the depiction of the Duke of Savoy as well as the social level of Mr. Causeo-brought about an enormous scandal. Mr. Causeo had gravely disobeyed to court etiquette. No one but the high aristocracy or the Pontiff, himself, could have done what indeed Causeo did. Furthermore, the Savoyards took great offence for the role reserved to the Duke of Savoy in the fresco and threatened to “tinge” Causeo and his fresco with still more infamy. That explains the figure of the Duke of Savoy.