GIOVANNI LORENZO BERNINI (1598-1680)
A male nude seen from behind
c.1630RCIN 905537
Most of Bernini’s drawings are related to his architectural and sculptural projects, but a number of independent drawn portraits and figure studies also survive. This is one of four large surviving drawings of the same model, probably made as demonstration pieces. At the end of 1629 Bernini reluctantly became head of the artists’ Academy of St Luke for the following year, and the drawings have been associated with his presumed teaching responsibilities there.
No. 136