Bernini & the Cappella Fonseca

Map

Bust of Gabriele Fonseca (c. 1668-74) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, San Lorenzo in Lucina

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The delightful Cappella Fonseca, in the church of San Lorenzo in Lucina, was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) for Gabriele Fonseca, a rich Portuguese physician, who served  Pope Innocent X (r. 1644-1655). 

The chapel has three busts of members of the Fonseca family. The animated bust of Gabriele Fonseca (1668-74) is the the work of Bernini, the other two busts are studio works.

The oval painting of the Annunciation is by Ludovico Gimignani (1643-97) and is based on a work by Guido Reni (1575-1642). It is set in a black marble frame, which is being held up by two marble angels.

The vault is decorated with a host of stucco angels. 

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The Annunciation by Ludovico Gimignani