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Only one sculptor in history ever came close to Michelangelo. In some peoples' eyes, his technical mastery even surpassed the Renaissance genius.
The greatest works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini - a thread 🧵
1. The Abduction of Proserpina (1622)
The greatest works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini - a thread 🧵
1. The Abduction of Proserpina (1622)
Bernini pioneered Baroque sculpture, injecting movement and energy into the human form.
The young prodigy made this at just 23 years of age - it depicts Pluto, the god of the underworld, abducting the goddess Proserpina, the daughter of Jupiter.
The young prodigy made this at just 23 years of age - it depicts Pluto, the god of the underworld, abducting the goddess Proserpina, the daughter of Jupiter.
2. The Vision of Constantine (1670)
Among the most ambitious equestrian sculptures ever executed in marble. The emperor is shown witnessing a miraculous cross in the sky, inspiring him to victory in battle and to later free Christians from Roman persecution.
Among the most ambitious equestrian sculptures ever executed in marble. The emperor is shown witnessing a miraculous cross in the sky, inspiring him to victory in battle and to later free Christians from Roman persecution.
3. Apollo and Daphne (1625)
A life-sized depiction of Daphne's escape from Apollo's advances by transforming into a laurel tree, as told in Ovid's "Metamorphoses". The flowing hair and intricate branches are among Bernini's most life-like achievements.
A life-sized depiction of Daphne's escape from Apollo's advances by transforming into a laurel tree, as told in Ovid's "Metamorphoses". The flowing hair and intricate branches are among Bernini's most life-like achievements.
4. The Fountain of the Four Rivers (1651)
One of Rome's most iconic fountains, commissioned by the Pope. The four river gods represent major rivers through which the papal authority spread: the Nile (Africa), the Danube (Europe), the Ganges (Asia) and Río de la Plata (Americas).
One of Rome's most iconic fountains, commissioned by the Pope. The four river gods represent major rivers through which the papal authority spread: the Nile (Africa), the Danube (Europe), the Ganges (Asia) and Río de la Plata (Americas).
5. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (1652)
A marble and gilded bronze sculptural group of St. Teresa of Avila swooning during a spiritual encounter, while an angel stands over her with a spear. Bernini showed he could harness sculpture, painting and architecture with dramatic effect.
A marble and gilded bronze sculptural group of St. Teresa of Avila swooning during a spiritual encounter, while an angel stands over her with a spear. Bernini showed he could harness sculpture, painting and architecture with dramatic effect.
6. St. Peter's Baldachin (1634)
Bernini could also work bronze. This is the enormous canopy sculpted for St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican - it marks the spot where St. Peter is believed to be buried. At the time it was the largest bronze sculpture ever made.
Bernini could also work bronze. This is the enormous canopy sculpted for St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican - it marks the spot where St. Peter is believed to be buried. At the time it was the largest bronze sculpture ever made.
7. David (1624)
A life-sized depiction of the young shepherd captured in motion - a moment before hurling the stone that toppled Goliath. A much more expressive depiction than Michelangelo's representation of human perfection.
A life-sized depiction of the young shepherd captured in motion - a moment before hurling the stone that toppled Goliath. A much more expressive depiction than Michelangelo's representation of human perfection.
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