Bernini's genius
"Gian Lorenzo Bernini was said to have been only 8 when he carved a stone head that "was the marvel of everyone" who saw it, according to a contemporary biographer." He was born on 7th December 1598, that is why he is our featured artist this month.
Self Portrait, c 1623 (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Gian_Lorenzo_Bernini#/media/File:Gian_Lorenzo_Bernini,_self-portrait,_c1623.jpg)
"He was not much older when he dazzled Pope Paul V, who reportedly declared, "We hope that this youth will become the Michelangelo of his century." Prophetic words: over a long lifetime, Bernini undertook commissions for eight popes, transforming the look of 17th-century Rome as Michelangelo had helped shape Florence and Rome a century before. Much of the Baroque grandeur of the Eternal City—its churches, fountains, piazzas and monuments—can be credited to Bernini and his followers."
Some of the works of Bernini, the genius sculptor, painter and architect of the Baroque Era:
Apollo and Daphne, 1622-25 (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Gian_Lorenzo_Bernini#/media/File:ApolloAndDaphne.JPG)
David, 1623-24 (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Gian_Lorenzo_Bernini#/media/File:Bernini's_David.jpg)
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Colonnade, St Peter's Square, Rome (source: https://www.minutetravelguide.com/gallery/rome/st_peters_basilica_rome.jpg)
Baldachin over the high altar at St Peter's Basilica, Rome (Source: https://stpetersbasilica.info/Altars/PapalAltar/PapalAltar.htm)
Bust of Louis XIV, 1665 (Source: https://arthive.com/gianlorenzobernini/works/225883~Bust_of_Louis_XIV)
Quotes from & Read more:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/berninis-genius-11934809/#EqF0d0DY1fzeftmh.99