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

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Giovanni Fattori (1825 - 1908)
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Pierre-Paul Sevin (1646 - 1710)
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Giovanni Pietro Perti (Peretti) (1648 - 1714)
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Paul Flickel (1852 - 1903)
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Johann Gottfried Tannauer (1680 - 1737)
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Dirck Helmbreeker (1633 - 1696)
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Andrea Scacciati (1642 - 1710)
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Nicola Carrino (1932 - 2018)
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Antonio Pisanello (1395 - 1455)
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Rubens Santoro (1859 - 1941)
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Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (1386 - 1466)
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Alighiero Boetti (1940 - 1994)
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Girolamo da Carpi (1501 - 1556)
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Giuseppe Nogari (1699 - 1766)
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Paolo Tilche (1925 - 2002)
Paolo Tilche
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Creators Baroque

Francis Barlow (1626 - 1704)
Francis Barlow
1626 - 1704
Joseph Parry (1744 - 1826)
Joseph Parry
1744 - 1826
Bartolomeo Castelli II (1696 - 1738)
Bartolomeo Castelli II
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Jacob Levecq (1634 - 1675)
Jacob Levecq
1634 - 1675
James Thornhill (1675 - 1734)
James Thornhill
1675 - 1734
Pieter Gerritsz van Roestraten (1630 - 1700)
Pieter Gerritsz van Roestraten
1630 - 1700
Salomon Rombouts (1650 - 1702)
Salomon Rombouts
1650 - 1702
Jules-César-Denis van Loo (1743 - 1821)
Jules-César-Denis van Loo
1743 - 1821
Francis Lepipre (1640 - 1695)
Francis Lepipre
1640 - 1695
John Michael Wright (1617 - 1694)
John Michael Wright
1617 - 1694
Enrico Albrici (1714 - 1773)
Enrico Albrici
1714 - 1773
Aert de Gelder (1645 - 1727)
Aert de Gelder
1645 - 1727
Dirck de Quade van Ravesteyn (1566 - 1619)
Dirck de Quade van Ravesteyn
1566 - 1619
Johann Heinrich Wedekind (1674 - 1736)
Johann Heinrich Wedekind
1674 - 1736
Cornelis Gerritsz. Decker (1618 - 1678)
Cornelis Gerritsz. Decker
1618 - 1678
Alexei Petrovich Antropov (1716 - 1795)
Alexei Petrovich Antropov
1716 - 1795
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