Saint Athanasius head restoration
September 2010
Saint Athanasius head restoration
The Head of Saint Athanasius, by G. L. Bernini, exhibited in Room XI 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.