Artwork Page for Portrait of Pope Innocent X Pamphili

Details / Information for Portrait of Pope Innocent X Pamphili

Portrait of Pope Innocent X Pamphili

designed 1647–48; cast 1650–1700

Alessandro Algardi

(Italian, 1598–1654)
Culture
Italy, 17th century
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 97 x 81 x 29 cm (38 3/16 x 31 7/8 x 11 7/16 in.); Base: 23.5 x 27.1 cm (9 1/4 x 10 11/16 in.); without base: 78.1 x 81.6 cm (30 3/4 x 32 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Rosenberg and Stiebel, Inc., in honor of William Mathewson Milliken, Director 1930-1958 1957.496
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
217 Italian Baroque
Print
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Did You Know?

The pope's stole features Pamphili family emblems: fleur-de-lis and doves encircled by olive leaves.

Description

Innocent X (Giovanni Battista Pamphili) was pope from 1644 until his death in 1655. Although he was not very interested in the visual arts, he followed tradition and gave several papal commissions for artistic projects. Algardi was the sculptor most frequently called upon by Innocent X. This sensitive portrait captures many details of the pope's costume as well as his intelligent, quiet face.
A bronze sculpture depicts Pope Innocent X Pamphili, an older man with dark brown, reflective skin. He wears a skullcap and a buttoned cape with ornate vertical bands featuring birds and flowers. His head turns slightly left, with light catching his furrowed brow and downcast eyes. A pointed beard and mustache frame his face. The bust rests on a tiered pedestal, showcasing the detailed casting of his wrinkles and decorative robes.

Portrait of Pope Innocent X Pamphili

designed 1647–48; cast 1650–1700

Alessandro Algardi

(Italian, 1598–1654)
Italy, 17th century

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