Gian Lorenzo Bernini was born on the 7th of December 1598 in the city of Naples. At the age of 8 he went to Rome with his father where his skill was noticed by artists and popes alike. While still a boy Bernini received commissions from Cardinal Borghese to create sculptures for his villa, and at the age of 22 Bernini was commissioned by Pope Paul V to create a bust of him. By the age of 26 Bernini's reputation was well established. With the assumption of Pope Urban VIII in 1623 Bernini became the 'curator of the papal art collection', the 'director of the papal foundry at Castel... Show more

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was born on the 7th of December 1598 in the city of Naples. At the age of 8 he went to Rome with his father where his skill was noticed by artists and popes alike.

While still a boy Bernini received commissions from Cardinal Borghese to create sculptures for his villa, and at the age of 22 Bernini was commissioned by Pope Paul V to create a bust of him. By the age of 26 Bernini's reputation was well established.

With the assumption of Pope Urban VIII in 1623 Bernini became the 'curator of the papal art collection', the 'director of the papal foundry at Castel Sant'Angelo', and the 'commissioner of the fountains of Piazza Navona', granting him the opportunity to create works all over Rome.

Being the chief architect at the basilica, Bernini attempted to build two towers against one wall. When the first tower was erected cracks appeared in the wall and work was immediately stopped. The towers were pulled down and Bernini's reputation suffered.

Despite this setback, Bernini remained in the roles given to him by the pope and he continued to create works throughout Rome. He was also chosen to travel to Paris to undertake work for the French King Louis XIV. This was a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening the ties between Rome and France - although the work was never started.

Bernini died on the 28th of November 1680, at the age of 81. Remembered mostly for his sculptures, he was also a painter, a playwright, a stage set designer, and most importantly, the founder of baroque architecture.

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Italian Sculptors: Gian Lorenzo Bernini

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10 Questions

1. Created in 1665 whilst Bernini was in Paris, this is a bust of which French king?

Louis XIV, The Sun KingLouis XII, Father of the PeopleLouis XIII, The Just

2. Saint Peter's Baldachin is an impressive monument built to mark the site of the saint's grave, in which city?

The Vatican CityAthensJerusalemAlexandria

3. The Goat Amalthea with the Infant Jupiter and a Faun is the earliest surviving work by Bernini. How old was he when he made it?

Between 11 and 17 years oldBetween 18 and 21 years oldBetween 5 and 10 years old

4. Commissioned by Pope Alexander VII for Siena Cathedral, this sculpture is one of a pair. The other sculpture is of Mary Magdalene, but who does this one represent?

Judas IscariotSaint JudeSaint John

5. This fountain in Rome, whish also features the god Triton, is inspired by a verse by which ancient poet?

OvidHomerVirgil

6. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Peretti Montalto as a fountain to decorate his garden pond, this statue is of which two Roman gods?

Neptune and TritonSaturn and MercuryUranus and VulcanJupiter and Apollo

7. The Goat Amalthea with the Infant Jupiter and a Faun is the earliest surviving work by Bernini. How old was he when he made it?

Between 18 and 21 years oldBetween 11 and 17 years oldBetween 5 and 10 years old

8. The Fontana del Moro in Rome was created by Giacomo della Porta in 1575, with Bernini adding what feature 78 years later?

The dolphinThe four statues of TritonThe rose-coloured marble basinThe man in the centre, wrestling with the dolphin

9. The Memorial to Maria Raggi was commissioned by three of her family in 1647, and is located in the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. Who was Maria Raggi?

She was a queenShe was a nunShe was an abbess

10. This fountain in Rome, whish also features the god Triton, is inspired by a verse by which ancient poet?

VirgilHomerOvid