Rutilio Gaci
Bust portrait of Philip IV when he was Prince Madrid, Circa 1620-1621
Height: 36 cm
Further images
Alabaster
This piece depicts a beardless young man with a long face, wide brow, prominent chin, his eyes carved out, fleshy lips and short hair brushed back. The figure is covered by armour, made up of cuirass, chest and back plates, from which a great ruff can be seen to emerge. The shoulder-plates are shaped with the upper part of a lion's head, with straps coming off it. The chest-plate is pointed at the top with lightly inscribed floral decoration and a cartouche at the bottom. The back of the piece is complete, without casting part of the bust as was often the case in order to make the work lighter, though not worked in such detail. The original pedestal has not survived.