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Bernini: Genius of the Baroque
A beautifully illustrated testament to this great Baroque sculptorCharles Avery.
Gianlorenzo Bernini was one of the greatest artists of all time. World-famous for his uniquely powerful works of sculpture, he was also a virtuoso draftsman, a pioneering caricaturist, and a designer of gorgeous fountain displays. He even wrote plays.
Bernini virtually created Baroque Rome. Without his contributions, we could not walk across the Ponte Sant'Angelo escorted by the angelic statuary that he designed for its balustrades. The Basilica of St. Peter would not have the sonorous crescendo of Bernini's bronze Baldacchino over St. Peter's tomb. We could not enjoy the huge splashing water display and vigorous drama of the figures on his Fountain of the Four Rivers in the Piazza Navona.
Using much previously unpublished research, Charles Avery traces Bernini's career from his brilliant beginnings to his last mature works, including his architecture, and pays special attention to his techniques in drawing, modeling, and carving. 400 illustrations, 80 in color.
Gianlorenzo Bernini was one of the greatest artists of all time. World-famous for his uniquely powerful works of sculpture, he was also a virtuoso draftsman, a pioneering caricaturist, and a designer of gorgeous fountain displays. He even wrote plays.
Bernini virtually created Baroque Rome. Without his contributions, we could not walk across the Ponte Sant'Angelo escorted by the angelic statuary that he designed for its balustrades. The Basilica of St. Peter would not have the sonorous crescendo of Bernini's bronze Baldacchino over St. Peter's tomb. We could not enjoy the huge splashing water display and vigorous drama of the figures on his Fountain of the Four Rivers in the Piazza Navona.
Using much previously unpublished research, Charles Avery traces Bernini's career from his brilliant beginnings to his last mature works, including his architecture, and pays special attention to his techniques in drawing, modeling, and carving. 400 illustrations, 80 in color.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 1, 2026
Glorious photographs that truly capture the beauty of the sculptor's great skill are paired with plenty of useful notes and comments by Avery.
Really helpful and insightful into major themes and inspirations throughout Bernini's life. Plenty of information on both his mythological and religious works. I was able to use many of the author's arguments in my studies.
It only serves to highlight why this fantastic artist is one of my favorites of the Baroque. It is my dream to see his work Apollo and Daphne in real life some day.
Really helpful and insightful into major themes and inspirations throughout Bernini's life. Plenty of information on both his mythological and religious works. I was able to use many of the author's arguments in my studies.
It only serves to highlight why this fantastic artist is one of my favorites of the Baroque. It is my dream to see his work Apollo and Daphne in real life some day.
October 26, 2020
Beautiful book with images and backgrounds of the works and the man behind the works! Not about the book, but the best advice you will ever get: when in Rome, visit Piazza Barberini. Modernity ruined this Piazza, but in its center is the most beautiful fountain in the world - Tritone. Magical and enchanting, perfection by Bernini.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews