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Busts of Pope Innocent X

Busts of Pope Innocent X are two busts by the Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini depicting Pope Innocent X, Giovanni Battista Pamphili. The works were created around 1650, and both sculptures are currently in the Galleria Doria Pamphili in Rome. As with the two busts of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, it is believed that Bernini made a second version of the bust because there was a defect in the first one. There are also numerous similar versions made by other artists, especially Alessandro Algardi.

Marble bust of Pope Innocent X with a curly beard, mustache, and clerical cap.
Marble bust of Pope Innocent X, shown with a curly beard, mustache, and clerical attire.
© · CC BY 3.0
White marble bust of Pope Innocent X with a bearded face, cap, and decorated collar on a dark pedestal.
Bust of Pope Innocent X in white marble, shown on a dark pedestal against a plain green background.
© · CC BY 3.0
White marble bust of Pope Innocent X on a pedestal against a dark background.
Bust of Pope Innocent X in white marble, shown under dramatic lighting.
November 2025 © · CC BY 4.0
White marble bust of Pope Innocent X wearing a clerical cape and cap, displayed on a pedestal in an ornate room.
Bust of Pope Innocent X in white marble, shown on a pedestal in an ornate gallery room.
© · CC BY 3.0
White marble bust of Pope Innocent X with a beard, mustache, and cap, shown on a decorative pedestal.
Busts of Pope Innocent X in white marble, shown with detailed facial hair and draped clothing on a decorated pedestal.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleBusts of Pope Innocent X
TypeTwo portrait busts

Historical context

Datecirca 1650

Creator

ArtistGian Lorenzo Bernini
SubjectPope Innocent X (Giovanni Battista Pamphilj)

Discovery and provenance

Version historyBernini is believed to have made a second version after discovering a flaw in the first bust

Physical characteristics

Number of bustsTwo

Materials

MaterialSculpted busts

Location and ownership

Current locationGalleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome

Appearance

Related worksComparable to the two busts of Cardinal Scipione Borghese

Other

Later versions by other artistsThere are numerous similar versions or reworkings by other artists, especially Alessandro Algardi