Marble Bust of Andrea Doria with Column

 

The bust of Andrea Doria (1466-1560), the Doge of Genoa, with a column, is one of two marble busts housed in the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Crafted from white marble, this expressive sculpture portrays the bearded, mature figure of Andrea Doria, Prince of Melfi and Doge of Genoa, adorned with a laurel wreath. 

 

Doria was born in Oneglia, Northern Italy, into the esteemed Doria di Oneglia family. He was orphaned at a young age and served as a bodyguard to Pope Innocent VIII and various Italian princes.

 

In 1503, Doria fought in Corsica on behalf of Genoa, then a vassal of France. He led the Genoese uprising against French rule and liberated the city, marking the beginning of his prominence as a significant naval commander.

 

Doria's renown stemmed from fostering a conducive environment for the unfettered growth of commerce in Genoa, a liberty previously proscribed. He also aligned Genoa with the imperial sphere as a crucial link between the Iberian Peninsula and the Principality of Milan to the west and the Kingdom of Naples to the east. His military prowess ensured the defence of the land, consolidating his position as the de facto ruler of Genoa (Doge). Through his patronage network, augmented by his bestowed title of Prince of Melfi, Doria maintained loyalty and strong ties with the Habsburgs, particularly Emperor Charles V, pivotal to his success.

 

Dating from the mid-16th century, this classical marble bust depicts the Doge of Genoa adorned in an intricate antique garment with decorative trimmings and drapery. A brooch, representing the Mouth of Justice (Bocca della Verità), adorns his left shoulder. This symbol, derived from a monumental marble mask in Rome, purportedly depicting Oceanus, the sea god in Greek mythology, was used to discern truthfulness. According to legend, an individual, when questioned, must place their hand within the mask's mouth and speak truthfully, lest they risk losing their hand. Including this imagery on the bust underscores Doria's association with justice, reflective of his esteemed societal standing, intellect, and lengthy tenure as a naval squadron commander, a vital role in the life of the Genoese Doge.