Saint Athanasius head restoration
Saint Athanasius head restoration

Saint Athanasius head restoration

September 2010

The Head of Saint Athanasius, by G. L. Bernini, exhibited in Room XVII of the Vatican Pinacoteca, is part of a series of preparatory models of bronze sculptures belonging to the Cathedra of Saint Peter.

This model may be dated back to between 1661 and 1663. It is made of a mix of clay and straw supported on a framework of iron rods. The model is of great documentary and artistic interest as it reveals the method used in creating a work of art.
The models by Bernini for the Cathedra of Saint Peter also include the head of St John Chrysostom - recently re-installed in the Pinacoteca after restoration - as well as figures of angels which are undergoing restoration at the moment.