Ferdinando II de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany c. 1690

Giovanni Battista Foggini created this marble bust of Ferdinando II de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The choice of marble is significant. The stone’s cool, white surface lends an air of classical authority, reminiscent of Roman emperors. But marble is also a difficult material. The process of carving demands immense skill and physical labor, using specialized tools to chip away at the stone, bit by bit. Look closely, and you'll see how Foggini has played with the texture of the marble. The Duke's armor is rendered with a smooth, almost metallic finish, contrasting with the soft, flowing lines of his hair. The drape across his shoulders is particularly impressive; Foggini coaxes the stone into mimicking fabric. The creation of such a work involved a whole workshop of artisans, each with their own specialized skills. By understanding the material and the making, we can appreciate the sheer effort – and social context - that went into creating this powerful image of leadership.