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

Giuseppe Laezza (1835 - 1905)
Giuseppe Laezza
1835 - 1905
John Runciman (1744 - 1768)
John Runciman
1744 - 1768
Cesare Maccari (1840 - 1919)
Cesare Maccari
1840 - 1919
Concetto Maugeri (1919 - 1951)
Concetto Maugeri
1919 - 1951
Romano Romanelli (1882 - 1969)
Romano Romanelli
1882 - 1969
Domenico Paladino (1948)
Domenico Paladino
1948
Giovanni Battista Gaulli (1639 - 1709)
Giovanni Battista Gaulli
1639 - 1709
Matteo Baccelli (1770 - 1850)
Matteo Baccelli
1770 - 1850
Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
Leonardo da Vinci
1452 - 1519
Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799 - 1852)
Karl Pavlovich Bryullov
1799 - 1852
Paul Troger (1698 - 1762)
Paul Troger
1698 - 1762
Vincenzo Rustici (1556 - 1632)
Vincenzo Rustici
1556 - 1632
Hermann Nestel (1858 - 1905)
Hermann Nestel
1858 - 1905
Bartolo Di Fredi (1330 - 1410)
Bartolo Di Fredi
1330 - 1410
Olaf Helliesen Lange (1875 - 1965)
Olaf Helliesen Lange
1875 - 1965
Alessandro Rinaldi (1839 - 1890)
Alessandro Rinaldi
1839 - 1890

Creators Baroque

Jan De Bisschop (1628 - 1671)
Jan De Bisschop
1628 - 1671
Francesco Mochi (1580 - 1654)
Francesco Mochi
1580 - 1654
Jeremiah Davison (1695 - 1745)
Jeremiah Davison
1695 - 1745
Jean Lemaire (1598 - 1659)
Jean Lemaire
1598 - 1659
Peter Candid (1548 - 1628)
Peter Candid
1548 - 1628
Roelof Jansz van Vries (1631 - 1701)
Roelof Jansz van Vries
1631 - 1701
Anna Waser (1678 - 1714)
Anna Waser
1678 - 1714
Jan Erasmus Quellinus (1634 - 1715)
Jan Erasmus Quellinus
1634 - 1715
Florent Willems (1823 - 1905)
Florent Willems
1823 - 1905
Jacob Adriaensz. Bellevois (1621 - 1676)
Jacob Adriaensz. Bellevois
1621 - 1676
Giovanni Battista Castello (1509 - 1569)
Giovanni Battista Castello
1509 - 1569
Francesco Lupicini (1590 - 1656)
Francesco Lupicini
1590 - 1656
Jean Berain (1640 - 1711)
Jean Berain
1640 - 1711
Georg Lisiewski (1674 - 1750)
Georg Lisiewski
1674 - 1750
Jan van Kessel I (1626 - 1679)
Jan van Kessel I
1626 - 1679
Giuseppe Varotti (1715 - 1780)
Giuseppe Varotti
1715 - 1780