A Late Masterpiece by Bernini

Map

Blessed Ludovica Albertoni, Altieri Chapel, San Francesco a Ripa

---

The marble sculpture of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni (1671-74), in the church of San Francesco a Ripa, is a late work by that great master of the Baroque, Gianlorenzo Bernini (1598-1680).  

Ludovica Albertoni (1473-1533) was a Roman noblewoman, who, following the death of her husband in 1503, joined the Third Order of St Francis and devoted herself to caring for the poor. She became known for her religious ecstasies. 

Ludovica was beatified by Pope Clement X (r. 1670-76) in 1671, the year Bernini began work on the sculpture. 

---

Blessed Ludovica Albertoni, Altieri Chapel, San Francesco a Ripa