Gian Lorenzo Bernini was born on the 7th of December 1598 in the city of Naples. At the age of 8 he went to Rome with his father where his skill was noticed by artists and popes alike.
While still a boy Bernini received commissions from Cardinal Borghese to create sculptures for his villa, and at the age of 22 Bernini was commissioned by Pope Paul V to create a bust of him. By the age of 26 Bernini's reputation was well established.
With the assumption of Pope Urban VIII in 1623 Bernini became the "curator of the papal art collection", the "director of the papal foundry at Castel Sant'Angelo", and the "commissioner of the fountains of Piazza Navona", granting him the opportunity to create works all over Rome.
[readmore]Being the chief architect at the basilica, Bernini attempted to build two towers against one wall. When the first tower was erected cracks appeared in the wall and work was immediately stopped. The towers were pulled down and Bernini's reputation suffered.
Despite this setback, Bernini remained in the roles given to him by the pope and he continued to create works throughout Rome. He was also chosen to travel to Paris to undertake work for the French King Louis XIV. This was a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening the ties between Rome and France - although the work was never started.
Bernini died on the 28th of November 1680, at the age of 81. Remembered mostly for his sculptures, he was also a painter, a playwright, a stage set designer, and most importantly, the founder of baroque architecture.
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According to the art historian Filippo Baldinucci, Bernini was producing marvellous sculptures at the age of 8! This particular piece is thought to date from 1615 when Bernini was 17 years old, although some believe it dates from 1609 when he would have been 11
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Perhaps the statue's place in a pond was the reason that these two gods of the sea were chosen.
The sculpture was brought to Britain in 1796 and was for a time the property of the painter Joshua Reynolds. It is now housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum |
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The work was commissioned in 1623 by Pope Urban VIII and it took 11 years to complete the 20m (66ft) tall structure. It stands directly beneath the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica and directly above the high altar
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Here is a part of the verse, from Ovid's Metamorphoses:
"Already Triton, at his call, appears Above the waves; a Tyrian robe he wears; And in his hand a crooked trumpet bears. The sovereign bids him peaceful sounds inspire, And give the waves the signal to retire" |
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Maria Raggi was widowed in 1570 when her husband was taken by Ottomans. She became a nun and went to Rome where she is said to have performed miracles. The statue was commissioned by Ottaviano, Tommaso and Lorenzo Raggi who are (presumably) her descendants
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The naked woman is an allegorical representation of Truth. The figure of Time was never completed, although Bernini still spoke of his intention to add it some 13 years after he had ceased working on the project.
The piece is thought to have been inspired by Bernini's disastrous experience when two towers he was building had to be pulled down. He claimed that time would prove it was not his fault |
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Who the figure Bernini added is remains unknown. Some say he is an African, others a Moor, and still more say he is the god Neptune.
This fountain, and also the world famous Trevi fountain, were both damaged in 2011 after a vandal attacked them with a hammer |
Both pieces draw our attention to the mystical event being represented. The subjects are not interested in the world around them and seem to be intent only on their own spiritual experience
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Bernini was in Paris on a diplomatic mission for the Papacy. The official reason for the visit was to create works for the Louvre Palace, but whilst Bernini was there Louis XIV wanted the artist to create a bust of him.. Bernini's designs for the Louvre were not accepted, but the bust was well received by the king
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The work was commissioned in 1671 while Bernini was busy working on The Tomb of Pope Alexander VII and the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter's Basilica. He ordered the marble for the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni on the 7th of February 1674 and it had been installed by the 31st of August that same year - just six months later!
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