Saint Pius V 1700 - 1715

Angelo de Rossi created this gilded terracotta bust of Saint Pius V during the late 17th to early 18th century, a period marked by the Counter-Reformation's artistic embrace of religious figures. De Rossi immortalizes Pius V, a Pope known for his austerity and his role in the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation. Consider how the use of gold elevates Pius V, reinforcing his divine authority and distancing him from the earthly realm. The gilded surface invites contemplation of power, sainthood, and the visual strategies employed by the Church to inspire awe and reverence. Pius V's stern expression and elaborate vestments contrast with his humble, ascetic reputation. This bust exists not just as a portrait, but as a statement of the Church’s enduring influence and its ability to shape perceptions of its leaders. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between religious identity, artistic expression, and the construction of historical narratives.