Christ Crucified, by Bernini
Today we're going to examine another spectacular work, one that calls us more to contemplation than to long speeches about its creation.
Christ by Bernini (1654-1656), Bronze cast, Gallery of the Royal Collections, Madrid.
The crucifix sent to Spain was the first commission the Italian architect, painter, and sculptor received from a foreign monarch, Philip IV of Spain, who paid 1,000 escudos for the work and rewarded its creator with "a gold chain." It is the only sculpture by Bernini, carved entirely in metal and not part of a monumental ensemble, that has survived to this day.
Text from the Gallery of the Royal Collections.
This is an exceptional work, both for its beauty and quality, and for the circumstances surrounding it. It was placed on the altar of the Pantheon of the Kings of El Escorial, where it remained for two years.
Text from the Gallery of the Royal Collections.
In 1659 it was moved to the altar of the College Chapel, being replaced by another crucifix by the Italian sculptor Domenico Guidi, at the request of the Royal quartermaster, Don Diego Velázquez.
Text from the Gallery of the Royal Collections.
Just to see this sculpture, the visit to the Gallery is worthwhile.
Buy me a coffee. ☕️