Bust of Cardinal Paolo Emilio Zacchia
about 1625-30
Marble (121 cm)
Bargello National Museum, Florence
about 1625-30
Marble (121 cm)
Bargello National Museum, Florence
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Being in front of this bust is an experience; we cannot fail to be struck by the elegance of the dress with its lace cuffs and by the severity of the cardinal's mustache which together communicate all the importance of this character.
How is it possible that immobile marble can transmit so much vitality? In itself the answer is simple: thanks to the careful observation of the cardinal's physiognomy by the artist.
Before making the final version in marble, terracotta sketches were worked in order to arrive at the right degree of perfection.
Alessandro Algardi is a Baroque artist even if his works denote a strong influence of the classicism of the Bologna area (Algardi went to the workshop of Ludovico Carracci, the cousin of the more famous Hannibal). Essentially, the rigor of classicism is a distinctive trait of Algardi and is distinguished by his very famous contemporary Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Algardi was considered the most important sculptor of his century, eminent personalities of the time turned to him to ask for a portrait (Leo IX and Innocent X).
Comparing artists: Bacon, Bernini, Carracci, Houdon, Manzù
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