Yet, Bernini's love turned into blind and mad jealousy when he found out Costanza's betrayal insofar that he ordered one of his servants to have her face -the symbol of her beauty -slashed. Her chosen artist, moreover, is the major creative. Beautifully illustrated and written, this fascinating. Yet Sarah McPhees new book performs exactly that kind of sleuthing, and its findings are fully revisionist. Berninis Beloved sets the bust and Costanzas own lifeher childhood and noble name, her marriage, affair, fall from grace, and recoveryagainst the backdrop of Baroque Rome. This is visible in the bust's sensual disheveled state with her wide-opened eyes and parted lips, expressing an emission of sigh or gasp this is considered to be the incarnation of his lust. Author Sarah McPhee corrects and expands this story in her remarkable biography of a sculpture and its subject. Bernini's Beloved sets the bust and Costanza's own lifeher childhood and noble name, her marriage, affair, fall from grace, and recoveryagainst the backdrop of Baroque Rome.

The intimate relationship between the artist and the model adds value to the artwork as he transferred all his personal feelings in carving his muse, revealing his passion and desire. Author Sarah McPhee corrects and expands this story in her remarkable biography of a sculpture and its subject. The Bust of Costanza Bonarelli, made between 16, presumably during their affair, is unique because it was the only sculpture made by Bernini for his personal pleasure and not for public exhibition. Author Sarah McPhee corrects and expands this story in her remarkable biography of a sculpture and its subject.

The important role of Costanza in Bernini’s life is noticeable when one takes a look at the bust of her made of marble to make the artwork timeless-an aspect that is relevant if we consider the fact that other portraits of his mother, sisters, and wife did not reach us.

Bernini's Beloved by Sarah McPhee