ALGARDI, Alessandro
(b. 1598, Bologna, d. 1654, Roma)

Bust of Donna Olimpia Maidalchini

1646-47
Marble, height 70 cm
Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome

This portrait bust of the sister-in-law of Pope Innocent X combines in a single image precise psychological observation with standard formulas of pathos such as the billowing widow's veil.