Bernini, Following His Steps Through The Streets Of Rome
Although Bernini was born in Naples in 1598, fate would make him move with his father, the sculptor Pietro Bernini, to Rome at the age of six when the city was in full swing of art. It would be here where the young genius would develop his entire career. Qualified as “the architect of God”, many saw in him the Michelangelo of the moment.
Bernini’s works in the Borghese Gallery
From the first moment, the artist showed an exceptional gift and had the approval and protection of the Vatican. At the age of 20, he was commissioned by Cardinal Borghese to create four sculptural groups to decorate his villa. We can admire them in the same place for which they were conceived: the Borghese Gallery.
These works of mythological or biblical themes, Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius, the spectacular Rape of Proserpina, the David and Apollo and Dafne, show the power and style of Bernini. A style full of drama, of naturalness.
In this Gallery you can also see other sculptures by Bernini, such as La Cabra Amalthea or La Verdad. An opportunity to surround yourself with your expertise.
Bernini’s presence in St. Peter’s Basilica
Some of this artist’s top works can be found on our visit to the Vatican, more specifically to St. Peter’s Basilica. With the favor of Pope Urban VIII, Bernini will be chosen to erect an imposing bronze canopy on the altar of the basilica.
It is a construction that shows the excellence of the Baroque, with the Solomonic columns as witnesses. He had the help of Borromini, with whom he maintained a fervent rivalry.
But before marveling at this great work inside, we will have already been surprised in St. Peter’s Square with the colonnade that welcomes visitors with a big hug. It represents Bernini’s golden age, creating a large optical illusion.
Nor can we leave San Pedro without admiring the tombs of Urban VIII and Alexander VI or the sculpture of San Longino. All of them were created by Bernini’s chisel.
His creations in the Roman squares
Other spaces where we can follow in the footsteps of the Baroque sculptor are the squares of the Eternal City. An example is found in the Piazza della Minerva. There Bernini made the pedestal to support one of the obelisks that are distributed throughout the city: a peculiar design of an elephant, a symbol of wisdom, the Obelisco della Minerva.
Who would leave Rome without strolling through Piazza Navona? Of the three sources that are located here, the one that first catches our attention is the source of the Four Rivers. This is one of the most exquisite creations that emerge from Bernini’s mind. Without a doubt, it does not leave anyone indifferent.
And, if you find yourself near the Trevi Fountain, make sure to go to Piazza Barberini. In it you can see the unique source of the Triton. A set that the Baroque artist executed in 1643.
Other must-see works by Bernini
You cannot leave this beautiful city without visiting the Cornaro Chapel, in the church of Santa María de la Victoria. It is one of the works where the Italian author integrates all the arts in the same composition.
In it , all the theatricality and creativity with which Bernini is impregnated is displayed. It culminates with the main sculptural group, the splendid Ecstasy of Santa Teresa .
Among other recommendations, it is worth mentioning the Chigi Chapel, in the Basilica of Santa María del Popolo. In this place Bernini completes the works started by Rafael Sanzio.
Likewise, the church of San Andrés del Quirinal is a must. In it, the artist designs an amazing architecture that plays with lights and where its characteristic elliptical plan is manifested.
These are just a few samples of the excellence represented by the quintessential Baroque artist. An artist who did not hesitate to take his projects further to make them come true and who are still more present than ever with Rome as a backdrop.
