Agostino Cornacchini

Monumental equestrian statue of Charlemagne, by Agostino Cornacchini (1725), St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy.

Agostino Cornacchini (August 27, 1686 – 1754) was an Italian sculptor and painter of the Rococo period, active mainly in Rome.

He was born in Pescia and died in Rome. In 1712, Cornacchini established himself in the household of his uncle, Cardinal Carlo Agostino Fabbroni, who until 1720 provided Cornacchini with a studio, lodgings and an income. His masterpiece is the equestrian statue of Charlemagne at the base of the Scala Regia on the entrance to the Vatican Palace, which sits opposite Bernini's equestrian Constantine. His works can also be found in Orvieto Cathedral and in the Basilica of Superga in Turin.

Sources

• St Peter's Basilica statue