Gioisia King of Judah delivered the money to the Temple

myminifactory

In the sacred year of 1725, Filippo Della Valle and Pietro Bracci tied for first prize at the inaugural sculpture class of Competition Clementino. The subject drew from the Second Book of Kings: Josiah Hilkiah requests that priests collect and deliver funds to artists restoring the Temple in Jerusalem, likely inspired by scholars amidst a cultural revival sparked by the Pope's major projects and completed jubilee events. This biblical scene is depicted with gentle subtlety and stiacciato technique in ornate architectural elements, while refined lighting effects were achieved through toothed slats. Della Valle arrived in Rome that same year to compete academically, having honed his skills in Florence under Giovanni Battista Foggini, with whom he shared familial ties. By July 4, 1730, Della Valle's academic merits earned him membership at the Academy, and he rose to become its prince by 1760.