Bust of the Savior

I chose this sculpture because I liked the composition of the figure. I like the way in which the arms are crossed and the hand is open as if he is giving a blessing. I also liked that the sculpture was not looking straight at you but the head is turned to the side, looking up toward heaven. The expression on the figures face is also interesting. After doing more research, I found that this was the last sculpture Bernini completed, which he finished a year before he died at the age of 80. According to several articles I read, it is believed that the statue was created to reflect Bernini’s acceptance of death and his calm attitude toward dying.  Bernini left the sculpture to Christina, Queen of Sweden.