The brilliantly expressive clay models created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680) as "sketches" for his masterful works in marble and bronze offer extraordinary insights into his creative imagination. Marked with impressions from the artist's fingers and tools, these models give the viewer a sense of looking over Bernini's shoulder as the sculptures were taking shape. Most the models—especially his sketches, or bozzetti—are executed in a loose style that conveys great speed and dexterity, as well as the artist's concern with developing the best possible design. Even though long admired, these models have never before been the subject of such extensive technical examination and art-histoical research.

Bernini: Sculpting in Clay seeks a deeper understanding of the sculptor through a careful analysis of fifty-two terrracotta models, which he used not only to shape his ideas in three dimensions but also to convey his designs to patrons and to guide his assistants. Individual discussions…