Pope Pius VI on Horseback

Antonio and Lorenzo Cialli

ca. 1784 · White glazed earthenware · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This equestrian sculpture depicts Pope Pius VI (1717–1799) on horseback, with his arm raised in blessing. The composition of the work recalls the long tradition of Italian public sculpture in which prominent figures were often depicted on horseback in heroic poses. The sculpture is remarkable for its level of detail, as earthenware is a difficult medium in which to execute precise motifs and expressions. It appears that relatively few examples of this portrait of Pius VI were produced, perhaps due to the challenges of sculpting in earthenware.

Artist

Antonio and Lorenzo Cialli

Date

ca. 1784

Medium

White glazed earthenware

Culture

Italian, Rome

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, The Isak and Rose Weinman Foundation Inc. Gift, 2016