Model for the Fountain of the Moor at The Kimbell Art Museum, Texas

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This is a terracotta sculpture of an original piece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Italian, 1598 - 1680), created in the 17th century 1653. Bernini made this dramatic image of a triton (a minor sea-deity from Greek mythology) grappling with a fish atop a gigantic shell as a presentation model for Pope Innocent X Pamphili, who commissioned the artist to design a new centerpiece for the fountain at the south end of the Piazza Navona in Rome. In 1651, Bernini was tasked by Pamphili to create this second fountain, located opposite the palace, which would further beautify the site and glorify the Pamphili family. Modeled with virtuosity and brio characteristic of the greatest sculptor of the Roman Baroque, the Kimbell modello surpasses all other Bernini terracottas in scale, degree of finish, and quality. The twisting stance of the figure was designed to engage the visitor from every vantage point. The primal-looking face and waving hair place the triton in the realm of elemental forces of nature. Bernini's fluid mastery of the human form is apparent in the well-muscled body, derived from life study and antique sculpture. Throughout the sculpture, skillfully varied finishing of the clay—using a comb, stick, and brush to differentiate areas of flesh, hair, shell, and rock—animates the surface. The carving of the full-scale marble Fountain of the Moor was assigned to Gian Antonio Mari, working in Bernini's studio under his direct supervision. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan The World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. We invite you to join our community effort if you have interesting items around you that you would like to contribute. Email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help bring these incredible works to life.