Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642)

3D Model

Gian Lorenzo BERNINI, dit LE BERNIN (Naples, 1598 - Rome, 1680) 1640-1641 Marble

Bernini, then at eh height of his career in Rome, received a commission in 1640 for a bust of Cardinal Richelieu, chief minister to the king of France Louis XIII. The bust was made based on the Triple Portrait of Cardinal Richelieu painted by Philippe de Champaigne (National Gallery, London). When it arrived in France, the bust was judged a poor likeness despite the high quality craftsmanship.