Rome's 'She-Pope'

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Bust of Olimpia Maidalchini (1646-7) by Alessandro Algardi

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The Galleria Doria-Pamphilj is home to a striking bust of Olimpia Maidalchini (1591-1657), who was known as La Papessa (the 'Popess') on account of the strength of her influence on Pope Innocent X (r. 1644-55), who was her brother-in-law (and, some said, her lover).

The bust (1646-7) is by Alessandro Algardi (1598-1654), a gifted sculptor from Bologna, who worked mainly in Rome. 

The gallery is also home to Algardi's marble bust of Pope Innocent X. 

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Bust of Pope Innocent X by Alessandro Algardi