Gianlorenzo Bernini

by Lynn Englar

page 2 - Youth and Conclusion

Bernini's "father, Pietro, a Florentine sculptor, arrived in Rome in around 1605," (Editori, Palombi, Fratelli, 3) and it is reported that Bernini then spend 3 full years sketching the "ancient marbles and paintings"(Baroque/ Baroque3a/htm, 3) His father offered him instruction, encouragement and opened the right doors. Between "1615-1619 his talent was so exceptional as to attract the attention of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of pope Paul V. It was for the cardinal that he created the statues and groups still now at Galleria Borghesse. He enjoyed the unconditional support and admirations of Maffeo Barberini, pope Urban VIII, who entrusted him with the most important commissions of the period."(Editori, Palombi, Fratelli, 3)

The early Bernini works, many of which are displayed in the Galleria Borghesse, are Helenistic in style and display amazing emotion. Apollo and Daphne display this combination quite eloquently. The magnificent, perfect bodies of the two characters display the emotion and shock of the moment with a realistic expressions that became characteristic for the Baroque style. Therefore, since many scholars credit Bernini with establishing the Baroque style in sculpture, this information falls short of explaining this genius.

Four years before Cardinal Scipione Borghese died, Bernini was appointed Architect of St. Peter's (Wittkower, 306). This means that the relationship that Bernini had developed with this wealthy, powerful man, resulted in a contract that would shape Bernini's adult life. During this same year, 1629, Maderno, the original designer of the facade of St. Peter's (ibid. 120) died. In fact there is an interesting timing between tragedy and career rewards during the year 1629, for Bernini.: Jan 30, Maderno' death, Feb 3 appointed architect of St. Peter's; Aug. His father died, then in Sept, again one month after yet another personal tragedy, Bernini is appointed Architect Acqua Vergine. "Part of Bernini's good fortune was that he grew up in what was, historically, an exceptional moment. . . and in over seventy years of frenetic activity, he worked . . " (Geitmann, 1) This was also the time of discovery including the Americas. Jamestown, Virginia was established in 1607, the Plymouth Colony in 1620, (Janson, 635) The church benefited financially from many of these explorations and added to the already financially influential institution thus allowing the opportunity to fund majors pieces of art throughout Bernini's entire life.

This era, when discoveries were not limited to continents from across the ocean was also the time of great scientists like Gallileo and "Two other factors, science (Gallileo's telescope, Torricelli Measures atmospheric pressure" (ibid. 635) and a new awareness of human emotion show visible influences in Bernini's work. "A prominent role was now assigned by philosophers to human passion, which encompasses a wider range of emotions and social levels than ever before." (ibid. 547).

Bernini is unique in many ways. His use of light with sculpture added a new element that continues to affect sculpture. His ability to remain employed and productive his entire life is an amazing feat indeed. Then realize the scope of his work that changed the concept of sculpture with the use of light, emotion and materials. Understanding the complexity of Bernini, (that is as diverse as the characters he brings to life through sculpture), is to understand that the man and his world helped define each other. Bernini's contribution defined Baroque art and his world defined his art.

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