Bust of Francesco Barberini

This bust depicts Francesco Barberini as a marble portrait created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, showing the features of a Roman church official. The work captures fine details like sunken temples and a textured beard surface that demonstrate the sculptor's technical skill.

The bust was created in 1623 when Pope Urban VIII commissioned it, a pope who was well-known for supporting artists and sculptors. Bernini based his work on an earlier portrait that was kept in Florence, using it as a reference for accurate representation.

This work shows how religious leaders and artists worked together during the Roman Baroque period, as seen in the subject who was a cardinal. The portrait reflects the importance that church officials placed on supporting sculptors and the arts during that time.

The bust is part of the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Art where you can view it during your visit. Walking through the museum galleries, you will find it well lit and positioned so that visitors can examine its details from different angles.

Bernini used specialized drilling and chiseling methods to create different surface textures that set skin apart from hair. These craft techniques show how the artist mastered the material to produce lively contrasts between smooth and rough surfaces.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1623

Creator: Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Made from material: marble

GPS coordinates: 38.89147,-77.02001

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:21