By Alexis R. Culotta

Sculptor François Duquesnoy died 12 July 1643 in Rome. A native of Flanders, Duquesnoy arrived in Rome in 1618 and refined his sculptural approach with a meticulous study (and, at times, restoration) of antique sculpture. By 1629, Duquesnoy’s artistic presence in Rome was solidified, as attested to by his two major commissions, that for Saint Susanna (1629) and Saint Andrew (1629-1633), received that year.  Today he is considered one of the foremost sculptors of the Baroque age, alongside figures such as  Alessandro Algardi and Gianlorenzo Bernini. 

Saint Susanna, 1629, Santa Maria di Loreto, Rome.

Bacchus, early 1630s. Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersberg.

Bust of Cardinal Guido Bentivoglio, 17^th century. Courtauld Institute of Art.

Bacchanalia of Putti, 1630, Private collection.

Adonis, antique torso restored and completed by Duquesnoy, Louvre Museum.

Saint andrew, 1629-1633, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

Tags: 17th Century, alessandro algardi, Bernini, flanders, francois duquesnoy, Francois Duquesnoy Baroque Sculpture 17th century Rome Saint Peters Algardi Bernini Saint Susanna Saint Andrew, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Rome, sculpture