The artwork, titled “Tomb of Pope Alexander VII,” was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1671 and 1678. It belongs to the Baroque art movement and is a sculpture located in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican.
The artwork is a grand and elaborate funerary monument commemorating Pope Alexander VII. Situated within a marble niche, the tomb is framed by two imposing Corinthian columns that enhance its majestic presence. At the center, the figure of the Pope kneels in prayer above an ornate sarcophagus, a symbol of his devout faith. Surrounding this are allegorical figures that embody virtues, depicted in dynamic and expressive poses typical of Baroque sculpture. Draped in rich, theatrical fabric meticulously carved from marble, the design exemplifies Bernini’s mastery in creating movement and depth in stone. The overall composition conveys a powerful sense of drama and spiritual elevation, befitting the Pope’s legacy and the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica.
