Gianlorenzo Bernini

Gianlorenzo Bernini - Apollo and Daphne - 1622-25 - Carrara marble - 243 cm - Galleria Borghese, Rome (click photo for larger image)Gianlorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) was an astonishing sculptor, painter and architect--and an outstanding exponent of the Italian Baroque. He was also an exceptional portrait artist. The sculpture featured here is the last of Bernini's work commissioned by the Borghese family, and remains one of his most popular sculptures. The influence of antique sculptures (Apollo of Belvedere) and of contemporary paintings (such as those by Guido Reni) are clearly seen in this masterpiece. Bernini had a profound work ethic and was incredibly prolific. His character and methods of work were formed early and remained constant until his death at age 82. Bernini was also deeply religious. However, the presence of this pagan myth in the Cardinal's villa was justified by a moral couplet composed in Latin by Cardinal Maffeo Barberini (later Pope Urban VIII) and engraved on the cartouche on the base, which says: “Those who love to pursue fleeting forms of pleasure, in the end find only leaves and bitter berries in their hands.”