Simon Schama's Power of Art
Born in Naples, Bernini was an exceptional talent from an early age and went on to dominate the art world of 17th century Rome. His work epitomised the Baroque style and his sculpture,
church interiors and exteriors and town planning could be seen everywhere. He was also a painter, playwright, costume and theatre designer.
Bernini worked under successive Popes; Pope Gregory XV made him a knight and Pope Urban VIII took him as his best friend. He was revered in his time until a jealous rage caused him to have
the face of his mistress slashed after discovering her romance with his brother. His reputation fell further after his bell towers for the Cathedral of St Peter's started cracking in 1641.
He redeemed himself and kick started his career again with arguably his most famous work, The Ecstasy of St Theresa, in 1652.
(from bbc.co.uk)
| Gian Lorenzo Bernini |
| Related Links |
| Gian Lorenzo Bernini - wikipedia Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) was an Italian artist and a prominent architect who worked principally in Rome. He was the leading sculptor of his age, credited with creating the Baroque style of sculpture. |
| Art of the Western World: The Birth of Baroque The Church's campaign to counter the Reformation relied on dramatic depictions of religious scenes, such as those of Caravaggio and Bernini. |
Go to Simon Schama's Power of Art Home or watch other episodes:
| Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio |
| Gian Lorenzo Bernini |
| Rembrandt van Rijn |
| Jacques-Louis David |
| Joseph Mallord William Turner |
| Vincent Van Gogh |
| Pablo Picasso |
| Mark Rothko |