ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bernini's Elephant Sculpture in Rome Experiences Repeated Tusk Damage

cultural-heritage · 2026-03-24

A 17th-century elephant sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in Rome has repeatedly lost a portion of its tusk. The four-inch fragment was recently discovered near the monument, which supports an 18-foot-tall Egyptian obelisk. This recurring damage highlights preservation challenges for historical artworks in public spaces.

Key facts

  • The sculpture was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
  • It dates to the 17th century
  • The artwork is located in Rome
  • A four-inch tusk fragment was found nearby
  • The elephant supports an 18-foot Egyptian obelisk

Entities

Artists

Locations

  • Rome

Sources