Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Portrait Bust of Monsignor Carlo Antonio dal Pozzo, Archbishop of Pisa (1547 - 1607)

About this artwork

The arresting power and vitality of this portrait are typical of Bernini's achievement with such works. His chiselling is so fine that the marble seems to take on the properties of skin, hair and silk. The slight twist to the head and shoulders and the rippling folds and buttons enhance its lifelike appearance, although it was carved fifteen years after the sitter's death. Bernini made the bust for the archbishop's nephew, Cassiano dal Pozzo, around 1622-4. He was one of the most distinguished and learned figures in the cultural life of Rome. The bust was displayed in a prominent position in his palace.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
  • title:
    Portrait Bust of Monsignor Carlo Antonio dal Pozzo, Archbishop of Pisa (1547 - 1607)
  • date created:
    1620
  • materials:
    Marble
  • measurements:
    82.00 x 70.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased by Private Treaty with the aid of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, the J. Paul Getty Trust Jr Charitable Trust, and private donations, 1986
  • accession number:
    NG 2436
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • glossary:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Gian Lorenzo Bernini