Bust of a Youth (Saint John the Baptist?)
francesco mochi (1580 – 1654)
Francesco Mochi (1580-1654) was a pivotal Italian Baroque sculptor known for his dramatic, emotive works in Rome & Orvieto. Master of bronze casting, famed for the Farnese equestrian statues and St. Veronica at St. Peter's Basilica. A forerunner of H
One of the most individual sculptors of his age, Francesco Mochi possessed an astounding technical prowess. The sharp turn of the youth’s head, his distant gaze, and his parted lips are all characteristic of the immediacy of Baroque sculpture, and his vaguely classical dress suggests a historicizing context. This work may have been conceived as a portrait, but it is more likely a biblical or mythological subject. Its scale suggests that it was intended as an object for private contemplation.
About this artwork
- Title: Bust of a Youth (Saint John the Baptist?)
- Artist: francesco mochi
- Year: 1630
- Original dimensions: 40.0 x 33.0 cm
- Format: Portrait
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Movement: Baroque
- Corpus context: biblical john the baptist , early 17th century italy
- Keywords: religious sculpture , francesco mochi , dark marble tones
- Color hue: Yellow-Green Range


