The Angels of the Ponte Sant' Angelo: A Comparison of Bernini's Sculpture to the Work of Two Collaborators

Abstract

There are many facets of the decoration of the Ponte Sant' Angelo in Rome that are worth discussing. The decoration of the bridge during the Papacy of Clement IX not only gives insight into the creative genius of the aged Bernini but also deepens our understanding of the Counter Reformation. This essay focuses on the way in which Bernini worked with the other sculptors in the execution of this project by comparing his own statues of angels with those carved by two of his collaborators. First, however, a brief summary of the history and iconography of the Ponte S. Angelo, will be helpful toward the understanding of Bernini's conceit (concetto) for the statues decorating the bridge.

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Notes on contributors

Mark S. Weil

Mark Weil is an assistant professor of art history at Washington University. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1968. This paper was read at the College Art Association meeting in Boston, January 1969, and is based on his dissertation, which he is revising for publication by the Pennsylvania State University Press.