Monument to Pope Urban VIII (1627-47) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Maffeo Barberini, Florence, b.1568/r.1623-44) The monument to Urban VIII (r. 1623-44) was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), the pope's favourite sculptor. The two marble statues depict Charity and Justice. Reclining on the sarcophagus, the figure of Death pens the pope's name.
Through his extensive patronage, Urban VIII made a great impact on St Peter's Basilica, which he consecrated on November 18th, 1626. The trio of heraldic bees, which make up his family's coat of arms, swarm all over his monument and throughout the basilica at large.