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

Carlo Bartoli (1931 - 2020)
Carlo Bartoli
1931 - 2020
Lodovico Pogliaghi (1857 - 1950)
Lodovico Pogliaghi
1857 - 1950
Giovanni Colombo (1902 - 1992)
Giovanni Colombo
1902 - 1992
Francesco Fernandi (1679 - 1740)
Francesco Fernandi
1679 - 1740
Marcantonio Raimondi (1480 - 1534)
Marcantonio Raimondi
1480 - 1534
Vittorio Matino (1943)
Vittorio Matino
1943
Erika Giovanna Klien (1900 - 1957)
Erika Giovanna Klien
1900 - 1957
Giorgio Valla (1447 - 1500)
Giorgio Valla
1447 - 1500
Ugo La Pietra (1938)
Ugo La Pietra
1938
Giuseppe Santomaso (1907 - 1990)
Giuseppe Santomaso
1907 - 1990
Astolfo Petrazzi (1583 - 1665)
Astolfo Petrazzi
1583 - 1665
Raffaello Santi (1483 - 1520)
Raffaello Santi
1483 - 1520
Andrea Meldolla (1510 - 1563)
Andrea Meldolla
1510 - 1563
Mario Botta (1943)
Mario Botta
1943
Francesco Zuccarelli (1702 - 1788)
Francesco Zuccarelli
1702 - 1788
Ottone Rosai (1895 - 1957)
Ottone Rosai
1895 - 1957

Creators Baroque

Jan Wijnants (1632 - 1684)
Jan Wijnants
1632 - 1684
Jacques Callot (1592 - 1635)
Jacques Callot
1592 - 1635
Jacob Rotius (1644 - 1681)
Jacob Rotius
1644 - 1681
Mathieu Le Nain (1607 - 1677)
Mathieu Le Nain
1607 - 1677
Franz Werner von Tamm (1658 - 1724)
Franz Werner von Tamm
1658 - 1724
Johann Michael Kaufmann (1713 - 1786)
Johann Michael Kaufmann
1713 - 1786
Crispijn van de Passe I (1564 - 1637)
Crispijn van de Passe I
1564 - 1637
Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606 - 1684)
Jan Davidsz. de Heem
1606 - 1684
Giuseppe Bonati (1635 - 1681)
Giuseppe Bonati
1635 - 1681
Carlo Dolci (1616 - 1686)
Carlo Dolci
1616 - 1686
Abraham Diepraam (1622 - 1670)
Abraham Diepraam
1622 - 1670
Benedetto Luti (1666 - 1724)
Benedetto Luti
1666 - 1724
Gabriel Metsu (1629 - 1667)
Gabriel Metsu
1629 - 1667
Adriana Varejao (1964)
Adriana Varejao
1964
Jan Porcellis (1583 - 1632)
Jan Porcellis
1583 - 1632
Denijs Calvaert (1540 - 1619)
Denijs Calvaert
1540 - 1619
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