Early Life and Training

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a renowned Italian sculptor, architect, and painter, was born on December 7, 1598, in Naples, Italy. His father, Pietro Bernini, a sculptor himself, recognized his son's talent at an early age and provided him with training in the arts.

Artistic Style and Influences

Bernini's work is characterized by its dramatic narratives, intense psychological states, and grandeur. He was influenced by Michelangelo, but his unique style pioneered a new era in European sculpture. His focus on human emotion and sensuality became important to later artists, up to the modernist period.

Notable Works and Achievements

• The Baldacchino (1630) - A massive, ornate structure in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
• The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (1644-1647) - A masterpiece of Baroque sculpture, showcasing Bernini's technical expertise
• Bust of Costanza Bonarelli (1635) - An example of his "speaking likeness" concept, capturing the subject in mid-conversation

Museums and Collections

Bernini's works can be found in various museums, including:

• Museo di Capodimonte (Naples, Italy) - Featuring some of Bernini's early sculptures
• Biblioteca Nazionale (Turin, Italy) - Housing a collection of Bernini's architectural designs and sketches
• The Museum Biblioteca Nazionale (Turin, Italy) - A renowned museum with a vast collection of artworks, including Bernini's designs

Legacy and Impact

Bernini transformed the purpose of sculptural busts, presenting informal portraits of the living. His dramatic depiction of the flesh introduced a technical expertise that continues to be studied. As Howard Hibbard concludes, "During the seventeenth century, there were no sculptors or architects comparable to Bernini." View more artworks by Gian Lorenzo Bernini on WahooArt.com Read more about Gian Lorenzo Bernini on Wikipedia