Bust of King Charles I (Bernini)

Bust of Charles I
Painted portrait used for the sculpture
ArtistGian Lorenzo Bernini
Year1635-40
Catalogue39
TypeSculpture
MediumMarble
SubjectCharles I of England
DimensionsOver life-size
Conditiondestroyed
LocationWhitehall Palace, London
Preceded byStatue of Pope Urban VIII
Followed byBust of Thomas Baker

The Bust of Charles I was a sculptural bust produced by the Italian artist Gianlorenzo Bernini which according to one historian, "set the visual conventions for centuries … [establishing itself as] the official portrait of secular absolutism.".[1] The sculpture was of the then king Charles I of England, who wrote to Bernini that the artist's name was "exalted above those of all men of talent who have exercised your profession.".[2]

  1. ^ Mormando, Franco. Bernini: His Life and His Rome, p132
  2. ^ Mormando, p130