Model for a monument to Pope Alexander VII

myminifactory

This is a preliminary sketch model for Pope Alexander VII's marble figure, designed specifically for his tomb in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Initially, Alexander VII commissioned renowned Baroque sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini to create the monument for St. Peter's, but subsequent Pope Clement IX wanted it placed in Sta Maria Maggiore opposite his own location. Nevertheless, Clement X reinstated the original plan. The present model - depicting the Pope kneeling on a cushion with clasped hands and papal tiara under flowing cope - is an authentic work by Bernini. It closely resembles the finished monument and also relates to one of the drawings for the tomb in the Royal Collection at Windsor, which was apparently created for an earlier proposed monument in Santa Maria Maggiore Church. The full-scale wood model with clay figures was completed in 1672 when Bernini received his final payment, but the actual monument wasn't finished until May 1678, upon transferring Pope's body to it. Bernini entrusted all marble carving for the tomb to assistants, who executed this work between 1672-8. The terracotta is exceptionally significant as a preparatory work by the master himself. This concise sketch reveals much about Bernini's working methods. He modeled the head separately to experiment with its angle before placing it on the body. As seen in the only other surviving terracotta model for the tomb (a figure of Charity now in Istituto delle Belle Arti in Siena), tool marks are evident, and there are suggestions of thumb and finger prints. The hands are currently missing, and some significant surface cracks exist, but the model is relatively intact. It serves as a remarkable testament to Bernini's skillful handling of clay on a small scale for preparation of what was to be a magnificent Papal tomb. Gallery location: Europe 1600-1815, Room 7, The Sheikha Amna Bint Mohammed Al Thani Gallery, case CA1 This object is part of the "Scan The World" initiative. Scan the World is a non-profit project introduced by MyMiniFactory, creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access at no charge. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate. Scanned: Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan) Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London