Bust of Cardinal Giacomo Antonelli 1859

This marble bust, sculpted by Jean Baptiste Clésinger, known as Auguste, in 1859, depicts Giacomo Antonelli, a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church. The sculpture, which is part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, showcases the artist’s meticulous attention to detail, capturing Antonelli's likeness with realistic precision. The bust's serene expression and finely carved features create a sense of both authority and sensitivity, reflecting the subject's position as a powerful Cardinal. Clésinger's masterful use of marble highlights the subject’s attire, emphasizing Antonelli’s clerical status through the depiction of his cassock and cape. The bust serves as a testament to the sculptor’s skill and the enduring legacy of Cardinal Giacomo Antonelli.