As the Renaissance came to an end, a new, more elaborate style took its place.
One of the artists who helped develop this style was an Italian namedGian Lorenzo Bernini.
There, he encountered wealthy patrons who commissioned him to create numerous sculptures.
Here, we will learn more about Bernini’s life and art.
Who Was Bernini?
Originally from Naples, he was regarded as a child prodigy.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1623 (Photo: Galleria Borghese viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
His fatheraManneristsculptorhelped develop his talents and the pair worked together on several early commissions.
This relationship helped fund some of Bernini’s most recognizable sculptural works.
In addition to mastering marble, he was also an accomplished painter and successful architect.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, “Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius,” 1619 (Photo: Archives viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
His characters are often depicted in twisting poses wearing emotional expressions.
His intention in architecture was the same as in his sculpture: to inspire a sense of awe.
Here, Bernini masterfully transformed the Carrara marble into supple skin, textured hair, and drapery.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, “Neptune and Triton,” 1622–1623 (Photo: Yair Haklai viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Bernini again relies on contorted positions that emphasize the physical and psychological aspects of the story.
Apollo, portrayed mid-run, looks amorously at Daphne.
His expression is set in deep concentration, lips drawn tight and brows furrowed together.
Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome (Photo: Lukask viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
His extraordinary sculpting prowess challenged traditional conventions and paved the way for new approaches to the discipline.
Additionally, as an architect, he transformed the landscape of Rome through his many projects.
His vision was so dominant and long-lasting that it has remained mostly untouched to this day.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, “The Rape of Proserpina,” 1621–1622 (Photo: Architas viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
While his professional life was mostly unblemished, his personal life had some twists and turns.
Most notably, when Bernini was in his 30s he had an affair with a married woman named Costanza.
He remained active, completing commissions, until his death at the age of 82.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, “Apollo and Daphne,” c. 1622–1625 (Photo: Architas viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
Books About Bernini
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bernini famous for?
What are Bernini’s three most famous pieces of art?
Three of Bernini’s most famous works of art areThe Rape of Proserpina,Apollo and Daphne, andDavid.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, “David,” c. 1623–1624 (Photo: Burkhard Mücke viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
Is Bernini a Renaissance artist?
Bernini is a Baroque artist.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1635 (Photo: Uffizi viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
