italiaDesign

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

By Alice Chen & Celeste Pang

Baroque became the dominant style in the 17th century, with sculptors exploring new ways to express grandeur, drama, energy, tension, and emotion. Gian Lorenzo Bernini is recognized as one of the most important and influential sculptors of the Baroque movement due to his talent and innovative approach to sculpting. His first major commission, the Borghese sculptures, demonstrated his talent and led to future commissions such as the Cornaro Chapel, the Triton Fountain, and the Ecstasy of St. Teresa. Bernini also had a lifelong rivalry with Borromini and the two competed for commissions of the Baldacchino of St. Peter’s and Fountain of Four Rivers.