472. Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680),

Italian, Self-Portrait, c. 1635. Oil on canvas,

62 x 46 cm. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence.

 

 

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

(1598 Naples – 1680 Rome)

 

The Italian sculptor, painter, and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini took his first lessons in sculpture from his father Pietro Bernini. Bernini’s first works testify to his rare talent. David Fighting Goliath that he allegedly created at the age of fifteen demonstrates his fastidious nature. Cardinal Barberini, who became Pope under the name Urban VIII (1623), entrusted him with the execution of the embellishments planned for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pope Alexander VII commissioned him to design the Saint Peter's Square with colonnades in front of the Vatican basilica. Bernini’s various commissioned works helped spread his reputation throughout Europe, Louis XIV requested his help in the completion of the Louvre. However, in the end Bernini became so tormented that he declared that he wanted to leave and construction of the facade was given to Claude Perrault instead. Despite this, Bernini was still considered one of Europe’s most prominent Baroque artists.