Paul Den Arend

Bernini in Rome

This book is about one of the most celebrated artists of the seventeenth century: Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Today, Bernini is considered one of the greatest sculptors of the Baroque period. Even during his own lifetime, many of his contemporaries believed he was one of the most important artists who had ever lived. However, admiration for Bernini and his work has not always been this strong. Bernini himself predicted that his reputation would suffer after his death - and he was right. When the Baroque style fell out of fashion, his art was often dismissed as vulgar or exaggerated. For many years, art historians and critics looked down on his work. Fortunately, this period is over. Today, we see Bernini for what he truly was: one of the most influential and prolific artists of his time. His impact on the Baroque style has been enormous. He was an incredibly original artist and one of the few whose work can still move us emotionally centuries later. In this book, you will discover: A clear and engaging introduction to the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini Explanations of Bernini's most important sculptures and artistic achievements How his work fits into the historical and cultural context of seventeenth-century Rome Why Bernini's reputation declined after his death - and how it was later restored Insight into why Bernini remains one of the most powerful and emotionally compelling artists in history In this biography, I present Bernini's great works and place his art within the context of the time in which it was created, helping you better understand both the artist and his extraordinary legacy.