Bernini’s bronzes are extensively and systematically photographed by Enrico Fontolan (Bibliotheca Hertziana) for the first time. The Project’s photographer: 1) takes high-res images that allow us to study the surfaces of Bernini’s works with a high degree of magnification; 2) establishes and maintains consistent lighting and views of similar objects for comparison of works not seen together.

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What the imaging can tell us: In Bernini’s oeuvre, widely varied surface finishes (often misattributed to Bernini) have not been systematically studied. We characterize the work of unnamed workers, such as the unique punches used by cold work specialists, adding another unaccounted-for layer of authorship to these works. High-res photos made by Fontolan of the AGO and Escorial Crucifixes (2018) and since then with the IPad Pro highlight surface treatments normally not readily visible, significantly expanding our criteria of techniques (e.g., the creation of texture in the wax model, the types and varied uses of cold work punches, the amount of surface left as-cast) and complicating our understanding of foundry practice as each work, even in a series, appears to be entirely individual.