BERNINI

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Naples 1596 - Rome 1660), son of the Florentine Peter and the Neapolitan Angelica Galante, learned the art from his father, who built the famous “Barcaccia” in Rome, Spagna square; the Assumption of the Virgin in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and a significant San Giovanni Battista, in the Barberini Chapel at Sant'Andrea della Valle.

Just a Barberini, Maffeo, who became Pope with the name of Urban VIII, took under his wing Gian Lorenzo.

Among the main Roman works by Bernini we exibit: in the Borghese Gallery David, the Rape of Proserpina, Apollo and Daphne, Enea and Anchise; at San Pietro in Vatican: the Baldachin, the Cathedra, the memorial of Pope Urbano VIII and Alessandro VII, San Longino, Matilde di Canossa, the tabernacle with angels in the Sacramento Chapel; at Santa Maria della Vittoria the Cornaro Chapel; the two angels in Sant’Andrea delle Fratte.

The two angels in a Sant'Andrea delle Fratte - click to enlarge

At Santa Maria sopra Minerva we can see the portrait of cardinal Naro, the memorial of Giovanni Vigevano and Maria Raggi.

At San Francesco a Ripa the memorial of blessed Beata Ludovica Albertoni; at San Lorenzo in Lucina the bust Fonseca; at San Lorenzo in Damaso the memorial of Alessandro Valtrini; at Santa Maria del Popolo the prophets Abacuc and Daniele.

Moreover he draw the little Elephant (by the Romans named chick), in Minerva Square; in Barberini square he carved the Triton, in Navona square the wonderful and famous Four Rivers Fountain.

The little Elephant in Minerva Square - click to enlarge

Finally at San Marcello al Corso, one can admire an enchanting Pity by Bernini aids.

Gian Lorenzo is buried in Santa Maria Maggiore.

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