Art is the expression of an enormous preference.
Gianlorenzo Bernini is considered one of the greatest artists of the 17th century. Skilled at architecture and painting, Bernini’s biggest influence and impact on other artists and the Baroque style would be his sculpture. His style is Baroque, a free, exuberant style of architecture and other art forms that replaced the restrained and balanced style of the earlier Renaissance. The Baroque style was dramatic, grandiose and ornate. Its motifs and forms express conflict and energy. Bernini was born December 7, 1598 in Naples and died in Rome on November 28, 1680 (Giovanni 1). He is often considered the father of the Baroque style “Bernini created a fusion of architecture, painting, and sculpture that led to the generation of new, dynamic forms. His works used the drama of false perspective and tromp-l’oeil to create an impact that involved the spectator. He also created a much copied palace faced type which he articulated with massive pilasters above a rusticated base” (Bernini 1).
Bernini came from a line of architects and sculptors. As a young man he began his career working as the student of his father, a sculptor names Pietro Bernini. Eventually, the young Bernini’s work was significant enough to attract the attention and patronage of Cardinal Maffeo Barberini. He designed a palace for Barberini whom, when he eventually became Pope, ordered Bernini to be in charge of building operations at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. One of Bernini’s earliest works was the baldachin, or canopy, topping the high altar. Soon after he constructed the towering marble, gilded bronze and stucco Chair of St. Peter at the Basilica. Prolific and talented in painting, sculpture and architecture, Bernini’s style greatly influenced others of his era “Bernini’s baroque style was a powerful influence on the architecture of his period. His most famous architectural ...