Bust of Camilla Barbadori

myminifactory

At just 20 years old, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, one of the Baroque era's most renowned sculptors, brought his masterful skills to life in this captivating portrait bust of Camilla Barbadori, mother of Cardinal Maffeo Barberini (1568-1644). When the Cardinal rose to become Pope Urban 8th just a few years later and adopted that esteemed title, he became Bernini's most influential patron. The exquisite bust of Camilla Barbadori, crafted in 1619, stood alongside a collection of correspondence from Prince Antonio Barberini (1607-1671), the Cardinal's father, in a family burial chapel within the majestic Sant'Andrea della Valle church in Rome. A defining characteristic of the Baroque style is the dynamic interplay between light and darkness. This striking contrast is vividly exemplified in Camilla Barbadori's smooth, pale complexion and the deep shadows created by her complete cloak, which are further accentuated by the subtle furrows around her pupils carved by Bernini. From a distance, these shadows appear full of life, inviting the viewer to interpret what they see. Bernini's talent extended far beyond his portrait bust, as he skillfully crafted a fresh sculpture that laid the groundwork for a new style.