Explore the Technique of this artwork.
Bernini's approach to portraiture was unique in several respects. Unlike other artists of his time that relied primarily on subject sittings—an approach that often produced stiff and overly-formal results—Bernini preferred to observe his subjects in their daily work and activities over a period of time, making numerous sketches that captured their features, characteristic poses, and natural expressions. He used these sketches to build preliminary models using moist clay. Using those models, Bernini would then begin the marble portrait of the subject. It was only toward the end of this process of carving the marble portrait that he would bring in the subject for formal sittings. This approach also accommodated the time constraints of his preoccupied clientele.Bernini's approach to working with white marble was also innovative. He once observed that the very material itself produces a pallor that distorts the natural visage, similar to the effect of a person fainting. Bernini's technique of offsetting this pallor was to produce "effects of colour" using numerous tricks, exaggerations, and distortions, such as drilling more deeply in certain places to create "accents of shadows" and presenting the figure in such a way as to catch the light. This approach is evident in his Bust of Pope Gregory XV, with his creation of shadows around the eyes, the sinuses, the wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, and even the pupils themselves.Bernini once noted, "Mere resemblance is not sufficient. One must express what goes on in the heads of heroes." No doubt the artist viewed his subject, the leader of the Catholic Church, as an heroic figure. The result of Bernini's efforts was impressive, as one writer observed:The young sculptor succeeded in giving an admirable impression of the character and mood; the dignity and uprightness of the law-giver is combined with the personal humility and sensitivity of the priest. The physical weakness of the flesh is contrasted with the spiritual resolve of a reforming pope.
pope Pope Gregory XV Catholic Church Pope