Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 - 1680)

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 - 1680) - photo 1

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, an Italian artist, is celebrated as one of the most remarkable sculptors and architects of the Baroque era. Born in Naples in 1598, Bernini's family moved to Rome when he was a child, where he spent most of his life shaping the city's artistic landscape. His prodigious talent emerged early, evident in works created in collaboration with his father, Pietro Bernini, and soon caught the attention of influential patrons like Cardinal Scipione Borghese and Pope Paul V.

Bernini's work, characterized by dynamic and exuberant style, spanned various genres including portraiture, tomb sculpture, and religious and mythological representations. His ability to turn marble into lifelike figures and scenes, blending realism with emotional intensity, was unparalleled. Key works like "Aeneas and Anchises," "Pluto and Proserpina," and "Apollo and Daphne" exemplify this mastery.

Not confined to sculpture, Bernini was also an accomplished architect, contributing significantly to the architectural landscape of Rome. His involvement with St. Peter's Basilica, notably the Baldacchino and the design of St. Peter's Square, reflect his vision of merging architecture with sculpture to create a cohesive and impactful experience. His work on the Cornaro Chapel, including the famous "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa," showcases this integration, combining sculpture, architecture, and light to stunning effect.

Bernini's influence extended beyond Rome. In 1665, he was invited by Louis XIV to France to work on the Louvre, though his architectural designs were not realized. His portrait bust of Louis XIV, however, remains a testament to his skill in capturing not just the likeness but the essence of his subjects.

A man of deep faith, Bernini's works often reflected his religious devotion, though he was also known for his caricatures and playful sketches, revealing a lighter side to his personality. His artistic legacy, characterized by the fusion of various art forms and the dramatic use of light and space, continues to influence and inspire.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Bernini's works remain a pinnacle of Baroque artistry, a testament to his innovative spirit and technical brilliance. His pieces, found in museums and galleries, continue to draw admiration for their emotional depth and exquisite craftsmanship.

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Date and place of birt:7 december 1598, Naples, Italy
Date and place of death:28 november 1680, Rome, Italy
Nationality:Italy
Period of activity: XVI, XVII century
Specialization:Architect, Artist, Sculptor
Art school / group:Italian school
Genre:Portrait sculpture, Mythological painting
Art style:Baroque

Creators Italy

Renato Toso (1940)
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Bruno Di Bello (1938 - 2019)
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Carlo Magini (1720 - 1806)
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Mario Tozzi (1895 - 1979)
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Brenno Benatti (1948)
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1948
Umberto Giunti (1886 - 1970)
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Anton Raphael Mengs (1728 - 1779)
Anton Raphael Mengs
1728 - 1779
Emilio Tadini (1927 - 2002)
Emilio Tadini
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Bartolomeo Caporali (1420 - 1505)
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1420 - 1505
Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (1386 - 1466)
Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi
1386 - 1466
Monica Bonvicini (1965)
Monica Bonvicini
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Carlo Bossoli (1815 - 1884)
Carlo Bossoli
1815 - 1884
Georg Macco (1863 - 1933)
Georg Macco
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Alberto Sughi (1928 - 2012)
Alberto Sughi
1928 - 2012
Friedrich Nerly (1807 - 1878)
Friedrich Nerly
1807 - 1878
Wilhelm Bends (1804 - 1832)
Wilhelm Bends
1804 - 1832

Creators Baroque

Pieter Jansz. Quast (1606 - 1647)
Pieter Jansz. Quast
1606 - 1647
Francisco Leonardoni (1654 - 1711)
Francisco Leonardoni
1654 - 1711
Bartolomé Román (1587 - 1647)
Bartolomé Román
1587 - 1647
Abraham Jansz. Bega (1637 - 1697)
Abraham Jansz. Bega
1637 - 1697
Daniel Marot I (1661 - 1752)
Daniel Marot I
1661 - 1752
Mario Nuzzi (1603 - 1673)
Mario Nuzzi
1603 - 1673
Cornelis Dusart (1660 - 1704)
Cornelis Dusart
1660 - 1704
Antonius Leser (XVII century - ?)
Antonius Leser
XVII century - ?
Robert van Audenaerde (1663 - 1743)
Robert van Audenaerde
1663 - 1743
Gerrit Adriaensz Berckheyde (1638 - 1698)
Gerrit Adriaensz Berckheyde
1638 - 1698
 Domenichino (1581 - 1641)
Domenichino
1581 - 1641
Sebastian Vrancx (1573 - 1647)
Sebastian Vrancx
1573 - 1647
Antoni Viladomat i Manalt (1678 - 1755)
Antoni Viladomat i Manalt
1678 - 1755
Stefano della Bella (1610 - 1664)
Stefano della Bella
1610 - 1664
Jean-Robert Ango (1710 - 1773)
Jean-Robert Ango
1710 - 1773
George Brookshaw (1751 - 1823)
George Brookshaw
1751 - 1823
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