Bernini's Truth Unveiled by Time
This unfinished statue is a gem, brimming with drama, symbolism, and mystery.
Bernini started sculpting it in 1645 during one of the most challenging phases of his life. He was unfairly blamed for cracks in the bell towers he designed for St. Peter’s Basilica (the real culprit was unstable foundations), and his longtime patron, Pope Urban VIII, had passed away. To make matters worse, the new Pope, Innocent X, wasn’t a fan of Bernini.
It was a tough time for him.
He poured his heart into this sculpture.
The statue features a stunning nude figure of Truth, symbolizing purity and transparency.
It was meant to include Time above her, pulling back a drape to unveil her.
However, the figure of Time was never sculpted, leaving the work incomplete. The reason behind this is still debated.
Some say Bernini got absorbed in other masterpieces like The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, while others believe he lost interest once his career rebounded. Either way, it feels like a cliffhanger carved in marble.
The intriguing thing is that Bernini didn’t create this work for a client — it was deeply personal. Through the sculpture, he wanted to convey that truth outlasts critics and challenges.
In his will, he left the piece to his family, describing truth as “the most beautiful virtue.”
The statue stayed with his descendants until 1924, when the Italian government acquired it for the Borghese Gallery.
As for the large marble block intended for Time?
His family sold it after his death — it was just too cumbersome to move.
Bernini’s artistic brilliance shines through in this piece, even in its unfinished state. His signature Baroque style — dynamic, emotional, and dramatic — makes Truth Unveiled by Time a powerful and timeless declaration.
This isn’t just a statue — it’s Bernini’s way of saying that truth will always prevail.
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