Algardi, Alessandro

Algardi, Alessandro (b Bologna, 31 July 1598; d Rome, 10 June 1654). Italian sculptor. He had his initial training in the Carracci academy in Bologna, and in 1625 he settled in Rome, where he became, apart from Bernini, the leading sculptor of the day. During the pontificate of Innocent X ( Giambattista Pamphili), 1644–55, Bernini was out of favour and Algardi replaced him at the papal court. His three most prestigious commissions were the tomb of Leo XI (1634–44) and the huge relief of Pope Leo Driving Attila from Rome (1646–53), both in St Peter's, Rome, and the free-standing group of The Decapitation of St Paul (1641–7) in S. Paolo, Bologna. He was a prolific sculptor of portrait busts, and these are his works that are now generally most admired—indeed he ranks as one of the greatest portrait sculptors of all time. His style was more sober and classical than Bernini's (although portraits have occasionally been disputed between them), reflecting his Bolognese upbringing, his work as a restorer of antique statuary, and his friendship with artists such as Domenichino, Duquesnoy, Poussin, and Sacchi. In his early career Algardi worked mainly in stucco and terracotta (Bologna lacked local stone), but he became a highly sensitive carver in marble. He was also an accomplished draughtsman (he made designs for engravers) and in addition worked as an architect, although his activity in this field is unclear. He ran a busy studio and copies and casts of his work continued to be made long after his death.