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

Sandro Chia (1946)
Sandro Chia
1946
Jean-François de Troy (1679 - 1752)
Jean-François de Troy
1679 - 1752
Giuseppe Chiacigh (1895 - 1968)
Giuseppe Chiacigh
1895 - 1968
Pelagio Palagi (1775 - 1860)
Pelagio Palagi
1775 - 1860
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 - 1564)
Michelangelo Buonarroti
1475 - 1564
Giovanni Battista Foggini (1652 - 1725)
Giovanni Battista Foggini
1652 - 1725
Magdalo Mussio (1925 - 2006)
Magdalo Mussio
1925 - 2006
Nikolai Nikolaevich Zhukov (1908 - 1973)
Nikolai Nikolaevich Zhukov
1908 - 1973
Christian Carl Magnussen (1821 - 1896)
Christian Carl Magnussen
1821 - 1896
Gianfranco Goberti (1939 - 2023)
Gianfranco Goberti
1939 - 2023
Giovanni Bilivert (1585 - 1644)
Giovanni Bilivert
1585 - 1644
Cosimo Tura (1430 - 1495)
Cosimo Tura
1430 - 1495
Paolo Salvati (1939 - 2014)
Paolo Salvati
1939 - 2014
Nicolas Vleughels (1668 - 1737)
Nicolas Vleughels
1668 - 1737
Simone Barabino (1585 - 1620)
Simone Barabino
1585 - 1620
Benedetto Luti (1666 - 1724)
Benedetto Luti
1666 - 1724

Creators Baroque

Pierre Mignard (1612 - 1695)
Pierre Mignard
1612 - 1695
Nicolaes Eliasz. Pickenoy (1588 - 1656)
Nicolaes Eliasz. Pickenoy
1588 - 1656
Eustache-Hyacinthe Langlois (1777 - 1837)
Eustache-Hyacinthe Langlois
1777 - 1837
Juan de Mesa (1583 - 1627)
Juan de Mesa
1583 - 1627
Pietro Novelli (1603 - 1647)
Pietro Novelli
1603 - 1647
Egbert van Heemskerck I (1610 - 1680)
Egbert van Heemskerck I
1610 - 1680
Francisco Risi (1608 - 1685)
Francisco Risi
1608 - 1685
Gregorio Pagani (1558 - 1605)
Gregorio Pagani
1558 - 1605
Charles Mellin (1597 - 1649)
Charles Mellin
1597 - 1649
Nicolas (Niccolò) Régnier (Renieri) (1591 - 1667)
Nicolas (Niccolò) Régnier (Renieri)
1591 - 1667
Francisco Leonardoni (1654 - 1711)
Francisco Leonardoni
1654 - 1711
Hendrick Goltzius (1558 - 1617)
Hendrick Goltzius
1558 - 1617
Egbert van Heemskerck II (1634 - 1704)
Egbert van Heemskerck II
1634 - 1704
Sebastiano Galeotti (1656 - 1741)
Sebastiano Galeotti
1656 - 1741
Albert Meyering (1645 - 1714)
Albert Meyering
1645 - 1714
Nicolas Henri Jeaurat de Bertry (1728 - 1796)
Nicolas Henri Jeaurat de Bertry
1728 - 1796