Francesco Bernardi known as "Il Senesino" (1686–1758) 1730 - 1740

This is a marble bust of Francesco Bernardi, the celebrated castrato singer known as "Il Senesino", created by Louis François Roubiliac. The artwork is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Notice how Roubiliac captures the sensuous folds of the drapery and the soft curls of the wig with exceptional skill. The texture of the marble gives the impression of both weight and lightness, contributing to a dynamic interplay of forms. The arrangement of lines, from the cascading folds of the drapery to the meticulously carved facial features, creates a structured yet fluid composition, drawing the eye in and around the sculpture. Roubiliac's mastery lies in his ability to transform a rigid medium into something that appears lifelike and full of movement. This interplay between the material's inherent qualities and the artist's skill challenges fixed meanings. The sculpture invites contemplation, showcasing how formal elements function not just aesthetically, but as part of a broader cultural dialogue on representation and identity.