bernini study

Bernini Study: Unraveling the Masters Techniques and Legacy

Introduction

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and urban planner active from the late Baroque to the early Rococo period. His work has left an indelible mark on the art of the 17th and 18th centuries, and his influence can still be seen today.

Biography

Bernini was born in Naples, Italy, in 1598. His father, Pietro, was a sculptor, and Bernini began studying with him at a young age. In 1606, the family moved to Rome, where Bernini continued his studies. He quickly became one of the most sought-after sculptors in the city, and by the 1620s, he was working on some of the most important commissions in Rome, including the sculptural ensembles in St. Peters Square and the Trevi Fountain.

Major Works

* **St. Peters Square** (1656-1667). Berninis most famous work is St. Peters Square in Rome. The square is dominated by a massive colonnade of Doric columns that embrace the facade of St. Peters Basilica. The colonnade is punctuated by two fountains and two obelisks, and it creates a sense of grandeur and scale that is unmatched in any other public space. * **Trevi Fountain** (1629-1643). The Trevi Fountain is another of Berninis masterpieces. The fountain is located on the facade of the Palazzo Poli in Rome, and it depicts the god Oceanus being pulled through the sea by winged horses. The fountain is a popular tourist destination, and it is said that if you throw a coin into it, you will ensure your return to Rome. * **The Ecstasy of St. Teresa** (1647-1652). The Ecstasy of St. Teresa is a marble sculpture that depicts the mystic Teresa of Avila being lifted into the air by an angel. The sculpture is a masterpiece of Baroque art, and it captures the moment of St. Teresas spiritual ecstasy with great emotion and passion.

Techniques and Style

* **Marble Carving**. Bernini was a master of marble carving. He used his chisel to create incredibly detailed and lifelike sculptures. His ability to render the human form in marble was unparalleled, and his sculptures often seem to come to life. * **Dynamic Composition**. Berninis sculptures are often characterized by their dynamic composition, with figures twisting and turning in space. This creates a sense of movement and energy that is typical of Baroque art. * **Theatrical Lighting**. Bernini was also a master of theatrical lighting. He used light to create dramatic effects in his sculptures, often highlighting them from below to create a sense of mystery and wonder.

Legacy

* **Influence on Baroque Art**: Berninis work had a profound influence on Baroque art. His sculptures and architecture helped to define the Baroque style, and his techniques were adopted by artists throughout Europe. * **Inspiration for Later Artists**: Berninis work has inspired generations of later artists, including Canova, Thorvaldsen, and Rodin. His sculptures continue to be studied and admired today, and they remain some of the most iconic works of art in the Western tradition.

Case Study: The Ecstasy of St. Teresa

One of Berninis most famous works is The Ecstasy of St. Teresa, a marble sculpture that depicts the mystic Teresa of Avila being lifted into the air by an angel. The sculpture was commissioned by Cardinal Federico Cornaro for his private chapel in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome. Bernini worked on the sculpture for over five years, and he used a variety of techniques to create a sense of movement and ecstasy. The figure of St. Teresa is carved in white marble, and her body is twisted and turned in a way that suggests that she is being overcome by a powerful spiritual experience. The angel is carved in yellow marble, and his wings are spread wide to emphasize the sense of movement. The sculpture is lit from below, which creates a dramatic effect and emphasizes the emotional intensity of the scene. The lighting also helps to create a sense of mystery and wonder, and it makes the sculpture seem to come alive.

Interesting Story: The Missing Toe

One of the most interesting stories about Bernini involves the missing toe on the statue of David. The statue was carved by Bernini in Rome in 1623, and it is one of his most famous works. However, when the statue was unveiled, one of Davids toes was missing. Bernini claimed that the toe had broken off during the transportation of the statue from his studio to the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. However, some people believe that Bernini intentionally broke off the toe in order to make the statue appear more lifelike. Whatever the reason for the missing toe, it has become one of the most famous "mistakes" in art history. It is a reminder that even the greatest artists make mistakes, and it adds a touch of humor to the otherwise serious and dramatic statue of David.

Humorous Anecdote: The Popes Approval

Bernini was a favorite of Pope Urban VIII, and he often received commissions from the pope. One day, Bernini was working on a sculpture of the pope, and he was so proud of his work that he asked the pope to come and see it. The pope was impressed by the sculpture, but he noticed that Bernini had sculpted the popes thumbs in a way that made them look like they were crossed. The pope pointed this out to Bernini, and Bernini quickly apologized. He explained that he had sculpted the thumbs in that way because he thought it would make the pope look more humble. However, the pope was not amused, and he ordered Bernini to change the thumbs. Bernini reluctantly agreed, and he changed the thumbs to make them look more natural. However, he could not help but chuckle to himself as he did so. He knew that the pope was a very proud man, and he thought it was funny that the pope had been so offended by the crossed thumbs.

Conclusion

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was one of the most important artists of the Baroque period. His work had a profound influence on the art of the 17th and 18th centuries, and his legacy continues to inspire artists today. Berninis sculptures are characterized by their dynamic composition, emotional intensity, and masterful use of marble. He was a true master of his craft, and his work continues to be admired and studied by people all over the world.

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