Bernini, the Pope and Death

by Stephan Koja

Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Pope Alexander VII (born Fabio Chigi) changed the face of baroque Rome forever. From the early years of their amicable relationship comes an intimate work of art, long considered lost but now rediscovered in the SkulpturenƯsammlung in Dresden: a shockingly realistic human skull of white marble, made by Bernini for Alexander VII in 1655. This book explores this major discovery, placing it within its broader historical context and providing new insights into the Chigi family?s art collection, the acquisition of part of this collection by Augustus the Strong, the...