Bernini and Baroque Rome

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Abbot Angelo Grillo - wrote a letter about Rome (1590)

Quote: 'I cannot find the Rome I knew so great'

Under Pope Sixtus V (reigned late 16th century) Rome improved greatly (widened roads, large open spaces enhanced, uninhabitable areas improved)

This is an example of successful patronage

Bernini created Baroque Rome

PAPAL ROME: A rome with popes

Modern Rome relied on it's Ancient past to rebuild itself, and continued to be the 'cultural capital of western Christendom'.

Rome's art market was tricky to stay in, due to the fact that no one artist could hold a monopoly, because the popes rule was short and the artist had to regain favour each time. Bernini did so with all six popes of his working life.

Pope Urban VII (early to mid 17th century), gave Bernini many opportunities, partly due to family connections.

Bernini worked on St Peters basilica in the early 17th century, and took over the Baldacchino project.

His employment enabled him to move on to redefine the urban environment.

ST PETERS: THE BALDACCHINO by BERNINI

- Bernini took over this project from CARLO MADERNO in 1629

- It was based on a 'baldachin'

- It is very large and impressive, and immediately the focal point of the room.

- Angels are at each top corner, and four columns

- The gold colour makes it even more striking and impressive (luxurious)

- Bernini incorporated many symbols relating to the Popes family

ST PETERS: the Cathedra Petri

After Pope Alexander VII reigned in 1655, Bernini was able to work at a gigantic scale (he was an old friend).

He created the Cathedra Petri, which is made of bronze and encases an ancient chair.

The Cathedra Petri is also striking and eye catching, especially with the use of stained class in the middle, creating a focal point.

Bernini used manipulation tactics in his designs in order to serve as almost a 'stage' for it's visitors, and engage them with all the senses.

His architectural work often included performances, for which the design would be specifically catered to.

Baroque art engaged the viewer on all levels, not just the aesthetic.

'DAVID' SCULPTURE

Berninis' statue is very different to that of Michelangelo. From the pose to the texture, Bernini's puts an emphasis on the dynamic property of how the angles of viewing effect the sculpture. It is aggressive and active, with Davids expression being that of intense rage and power.

'APOLLO AND DAPHNE' SCULPTURE

Depicts a scene from classical literature and greek mythology, it also reflects the action and movement that is typical of Bernini's sculptures. It is also different from every angle.

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WHAT IS BAROQUE ART

The term 'Baroque' did not exist until the late nineteenth century

It was also originally a derogatory term for 'outlandish' or 'extravagant' pieces of art

Heinrich Wölfflin described 'David' as the epitome of 'baroque', and described the style as 'painterliness, grandeur, massiveness and movement'

CRITICISMS OF BERNINI

He was omitted from books talking about notable artists at the time

Francesco Milizia (18th century) stated that 'his influence led to decay' and 'to abandon simplicity is to abandon beauty'

His method of work was criticized, for example Winckelmann, who said that art should be created through the observation of classical art. Bernini believed that 'nature knows how to give to every part its commensurate beauty'.

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VILLEGGIATURA + PATRONS IN ROME

Villas made for wealthy patrons, as a way for them to withdraw from political life to leisure.

It was for both private and public enjoyment.

It was focused to entertaining the elite members of society, although lower members were not excluded.

Examples include: the Villa Borghese, and they served more as galleries than villas.

WORKSHOPS

Many sculptors had workshops where they would employ other sculptors (or 'assistants') to complete the menial tasks involved with creating large sculptures. This does not take away from his achievements, however, as he created all of the designs and bozzetti.

He was also seperating himself from the label of a messy craftsman, but rather a creative intellectual.

This again shows the later seperation and change when it comes to craft and art.

ALL PARTS MAKE A WHOLE

Bernini was well known for the concept of 'all parts make a whole' - Wolfflin stated that Bernini was the first to attempt to create a 'beautiful whole' through painting, sculpture and architecture.

Bernini quote: 'the various quotes are not only beautiful in themselves but in their relationship to other parts'.

THE FOUR RIVERS FOUNTAIN

This fountain adhears to the idea of the 'beautiful whole'- all of the elements come together to create a perfect harmony.

The four parts come together to create the whole, which reflect the four continents of the world.

Roman popes (and Bernini) were accused of wasting money on 'frivolous' and 'extravagant' expenses rather than the needs of the people.