PARODI, Filippo
(b. 1630, Genova, d. 1702, Genova)

Funeral Monument of Cardinal Gianfrancesco Morosini

c. 1680
Marble
San Nicola da Tolentino, Venice

The funerary monument of Cardinal Gianfrancesco Morosini (1604-1678) is a prominent work among those made by the Genoese sculptor Filippo Parodi, who arrived in Venice with vast experience from previous commissions in Rome and Genoa. This monument introduced to Venice an example of a clearly Berninian style, expressed with an exuberance and compositional emphasis without precedent in the city. From Bernini's equestrian monument of the Emperor Constantine derives the grandiose white drapery with gilded decorative motifs. The composition unravels with a free and lively rhythm against the luminous background of the drapery, from the figure of Fame on the left and extends up to the angels. The deceased, half rising above the urn, is shown at prayer. Below him writhes Time, in chains. Fame and Charity rise up at the sides of the pyramidal composition.