Angels and Demons

Dan Brown's book "Angels and Demons" is not great literature but was fun to read, especially since the art he referenced was the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor and architect who lived and worked in Rome in the 17th century. His work is the epitome of the Baroque style.

Bernini, Portrait of a Boy (self portrait), 1638, Villa Borghese. This portrait was completed after the self portrait as an adult so we have to assume he did this from memory.

Bernini, Self Portrait, 1623, Villa Borghese, at the age of 22

Bernini, David, 1623-24, marble, 67" tall, Villa Borghese. If you are in the Modern Art History class this should look familiar to you. We compared this image of David to Michelangelo's David to understand the difference between Baroque and Renaissance. Bernini depicts David in action, using his slingshot against Goliath. This shows the drama and theatricality of the Baroque. Notice especially his facial expression. By contrast Michelangelo's version shows David in contemplation preparing to use his slingshot, in a classical Renaissance pose. This sculpture is in a beautifully painted room, a great example of trompe l'oeil (trick of the eye).

Bernini, Verita (Truth Unveiled by Time), 1646-1652, marble, 110" tall, Villa Borghese. This was supposed to have an additional figure of "Time" above the woman representing truth but it was never completed. According to Bernini's son, the sculpture was a statement of protest over blame leveled against Bernini for cracks in the facade of St. Peters that he had overseen in renovations.

Bernini, Apollo and Daphne, 1622-1625, marble, 96" tall, Villa Borghese. This dramatic sculpture shows Daphne turning into a tree as Apollo pursues her. This sculpture is in the center of the room and one feels the drama of the moment no matter what angle one faces it. It's just as dramatic from the back as it is from the front.

Bernini, Rape of Proserpina, 1621-1622, marble, Villa Borghese. This depicts the story of Pluto pulling Proserpina below to the underworld. Consider that Bernini was only in his 20s when he created all these sculptures. In this view notice how the sculptor has depicted the violent was her flesh is grabbed in addition to her flying hair. The struggle is obvious, and all done in carved marble. A masterpiece indeed.

The Villa Borghese is a remarkable setting for these works of art along with many Caravaggio paintings and other masters of the Renaissance and Baroque. Some of the other works will be shared in another posting.