St. Bibiana 1626

Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "St. Bibiana" is a life-sized marble sculpture that is located in the Santa Bibiana church in Rome. This piece was created in 1626 and showcases the Baroque style with its dramatic, flowing lines. The sculpture depicts the saint in the moment she is being martyred, with her eyes closed in prayer, and her left hand reaching out to the viewer in a gesture of faith, while holding a palm branch, a symbol of her martyrdom. Bernini masterfully captured the pain and beauty of her death through the subtle details of her expression, the movement of her clothing, and the overall composition. The work has gained recognition for its realism, emotion, and artistic skill.