"Marble Bust Of Pope Pius IX On A Serpentine Base, Rome, Circa 1846/47"
Official marble bust of Pope Pius IX (1792-1878), created in Rome around 1846/47, shortly after his election as the 255th pope on June 16, 1846. The bust depicts him at approximately 55 years of age and is mounted on a decorative serpentine marble base. It was an official bust commissioned to promote the image of the newly elected pope. Pius IX served as pope from June 16, 1846, to February 7, 1878. This work reflects exceptional sculptural skill and is of considerable historical importance.