Bernini

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680) was an Italian sculptor and architect who defined the Roman Baroque. He fused sculpture, architecture, and theatrical design to create works that emphasize motion, emotion, and immediate presence in space.

Born in Naples to the sculptor Pietro Bernini, he moved to Rome as a child and trained with his father. Early patronage from Cardinal Scipione Borghese enabled ambitious commissions, including The Rape of Proserpina (1621–22), David (1623–24), and Apollo and Daphne (1622–25). These works established his reputation for dynamic figures, dramatic lighting, and the integration of sculpture with architectural settings.

In sculpture, Bernini’s figures are noted for twisting motion, expressive detail, and an ability to carve intense moment from marble. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (1647–52) in the Cornaro Chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria is a landmark that blends sculpture with architectural space and theatrical lighting.

In architecture and urban design, Bernini created several enduring public monuments. The Baldachin, a massive bronze canopy over St. Peter’s tomb, was built between 1624 and 1633. The Cathedra Petri (1657) is a sculptural monument inside St. Peter’s Basilica. He also designed the Colonnade surrounding St. Peter’s Square (constructed 1656–67), and the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona (1648–51), which showcases his talent for integrating sculpture with urban space.

Bernini’s work helped define the Baroque style in Rome and influenced sculpture and architectural practice across Europe. He remained active as a leading artist and architect in the Vatican era until his death in Rome in 1680.