Wednesday, April 2, 2014

B is for Bernini



Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an artist and architect working mainly in Rome from 1615 to about 1676.  When he was just 8 years old he was brought before the Pope to showcase his talents, and was quickly recognized for his outstanding artistic abilities.  He was the first to bring physical intensity to sculpture.  He really did breath life into marble. 

Self Portrait

Medusa


The dimpling of flesh on Proserpine's leg as she tries to escape from Pluto's grasp is unbelievable.  This is marble!

Close up of The Rape of Proserpine


Lastly I'm showing what I will described as transcendence on the face of the funerary monument made for Ludovicia Albertoni.   Some art historians have speculated it may be more in line with the passionate look of ecstasy.  I'll let you decide for yourselves.  This funerary monument was one of the last sculptures Bernini made.
 
Detail of The Blessed Ludovicia Albertoni


Copyright Information.  All images are used with permission, are in the public domain, or constitute fair use policy in accordance with educational purposes.

7 comments:

  1. That's some seriously awesome work. Also i love your beaded letters. did you make them?

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    1. Thanks for your visit! Yes, I make those beaded letters. That's what actually started this entire A to Z Journey - I wanted to bead the alphabet. I see from your blog you are a bead gal as well :p

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  2. Beautiful Beaded 'B' and WOW...those Bernini Busts are ...WOW...I have no 'B' word for his AMAZING work. Thanks for sharing...Medusa and all. I did not know he did the Medusa bust...how did I miss that in my years of Art History Study....makes my Masters of ArtEd seem incomplete.
    Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

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    1. Hi Sue,
      How absolutely wonderful that you have a degree in Art Ed! I went through my college years studying biology, which was great but I might have learned more about what I now consider important if I studied art history. I feel so lucky and excited that I can go back and do so now, at my own pace. I'd love any comments or suggestions you have about this stuff :-)

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  3. Your B Pulsates! It has a beat to it.
    These sculptures are incredible...that marble flesh is so Real! Unbelievable talent.

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  4. Love that self portrait, he is one wild man:-)
    Martine@silencingthebell

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  5. these are unbelievably real ... that one with dimpling of the skin is so amazing that it is a sculpture ... in marble ?!

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