Domenico Guidi

Who was Domenico Guidi?

Domenico Guidi was a prominent Italian Baroque sculptor.

Born in Carrara, Guidi followed his uncle, Giuliano Finelli, a prominent sculptor noted for his feud with Bernini, to Naples. When he fled Naples in 1647 during Masaniello's revolt, in Rome he joined the studio of Bernini's main competitor Alessandro Algardi with whom he remained for until his master's death. While in Algardi's studio, he worked on projects with another pupil, Ercole Ferrata. For example, both helped complete their master's unfinished Vision of Saint Nicholas at the church of San Nicola da Tolentino.

Guidi gained independence with Algardi's passing in 1654. He also worked closely with the French sculptor in Rome, Pierre-Etienne Monnot. Relative to sculptors of other major studios, he was prolific. His works include the Monument to Natale Rondinini in Santa Maria del Popolo and the relief over the altar of Capella di Monte di Pieta showing a Lamentation over the dead body of Christ.

A great supporter of the French Academy in Rome, Guidi had the honour to produce a marble group flattering Louis XIV entitled La Renommée écrivant l'histoire du Roi which was sent to Versailles and placed in the park of the château.