This new publication brings to light a small alabaster bust portrait of Philip IV when he was Prince, executed by Rutilio Gaci (c. 1570-1634).
Gaci earned a reputation in Spain as a skilful coloured wax portrait artist, as is borne out by literary sources of the time, whose successful and highly-admired small equestrian figure led to his being commissioned to design the models for the monumental statue of Philip III that was going to be executed in Florence by Pietro Tacca. He also showed his abilities producing a series of medals using a technique that demonstrated his knowledge of one of the most highly-prized skills of his day, lost-wax casting. Years later he would amaze the public with his designs for the City of Madrid's public fountains, standing in for the architect Juan Gómez de Mora, executing creations inspired by Florentine works that were new to the city, incorporating mythological statues imported from Italy by his compatriot, the merchant Ludovico Turchi.