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

Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky (1840 - 1902)
Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky
1840 - 1902
Boris Konstantinovich Bilinsky (1900 - 1948)
Boris Konstantinovich Bilinsky
1900 - 1948
Joseph-Benoît Suvée (1743 - 1807)
Joseph-Benoît Suvée
1743 - 1807
Alfredo Tominz (1854 - 1936)
Alfredo Tominz
1854 - 1936
Andrea Di Bonaiuto (1319 - 1377)
Andrea Di Bonaiuto
1319 - 1377
Anna Gili (1960)
Anna Gili
1960
Gaetano Dura (1805 - 1878)
Gaetano Dura
1805 - 1878
Bonaventura Francesco Cavalieri (1598 - 1647)
Bonaventura Francesco Cavalieri
1598 - 1647
Benjamin Zix (1772 - 1811)
Benjamin Zix
1772 - 1811
Enric Serra i Auqué (1858 - 1918)
Enric Serra i Auqué
1858 - 1918
Giuseppe Penone (1947)
Giuseppe Penone
1947
Afro Basaldella (1912 - 1976)
Afro Basaldella
1912 - 1976
Anthonis Mor (1519 - 1576)
Anthonis Mor
1519 - 1576
Jaya Schuerch (1958)
Jaya Schuerch
1958
Ivo Sassi (1937 - 2020)
Ivo Sassi
1937 - 2020
Ignazio Gardella (1905 - 1999)
Ignazio Gardella
1905 - 1999

Creators Baroque

Anna Waser (1678 - 1714)
Anna Waser
1678 - 1714
Pierre Patel (1605 - 1676)
Pierre Patel
1605 - 1676
Abraham Diepraam (1622 - 1670)
Abraham Diepraam
1622 - 1670
Karl Purrmann (1877 - 1966)
Karl Purrmann
1877 - 1966
Michael Willmann (1630 - 1706)
Michael Willmann
1630 - 1706
Carel Fabritius (1622 - 1654)
Carel Fabritius
1622 - 1654
Antonio Amorosi (1660 - 1738)
Antonio Amorosi
1660 - 1738
Domenico Guidi (1625 - 1701)
Domenico Guidi
1625 - 1701
Jacob Willemsz. de Wet (1610 - 1671)
Jacob Willemsz. de Wet
1610 - 1671
John Harvey (XVIII century - ?)
John Harvey
XVIII century - ?
Josua de Grave (1643 - 1712)
Josua de Grave
1643 - 1712
Hendrick Goltzius (1558 - 1617)
Hendrick Goltzius
1558 - 1617
Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764 - 1843)
Martin-Guillaume Biennais
1764 - 1843
Carlo Giuseppe Ratti (1737 - 1795)
Carlo Giuseppe Ratti
1737 - 1795
Giovanni Battista Beinaschi (1636 - 1688)
Giovanni Battista Beinaschi
1636 - 1688
Jacob Marrel (1613 - 1681)
Jacob Marrel
1613 - 1681
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