Vittoriano
The sculpture was made of terracotta using an extremely fine, compact clay free of visible inclusions — a typical feature of seventeenth-century Roman supplies. The piece was entirely hand-modelled, with a solid core to which portions of clay were gradually added to define the anatomical details and drapery. The surface was carefully smoothed using fingertips, brushes, and damp cloths. Fingerprints and traces left by wooden sticks and spatulas are still visible, evidence of a rapid yet precise and controlled working process. No signs of slip coating were detected.
After modelling, the work was fired. Given its considerable size, it was divided into several parts using a metal wire. Reference lines were incised on the fresh clay to facilitate reassembly, and holes were made for the insertion of future metal pins. After firing, the elements were assembled using hand-forged metal pins and beeswax. It is hypothesized that the upper obelisk (now lost) was originally placed on a plaster base, fragments of which survive.
