Gian Lorenzo Bernini

7 December 1598 – 28 November 1680

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) was an Italian sculptor and architect who was the dominant creative force of the Roman Baroque. His works, including the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, the baldachin of St Peter's Basilica, and the colonnade of St Peter's Square, defined the visual character of seventeenth-century Rome.

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Life events

Born in Naples
7 December 1598

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was born in Naples to the Florentine sculptor Pietro Bernini and Angelica Galante.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Family moved to Rome
c. 1606

Bernini moved to Rome as a child when his father was called to work on papal commissions, and he trained in his father's workshop.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Carved the great Borghese sculptures for Cardinal Scipione Borghese
1618 – 1625

For Cardinal Scipione Borghese, Bernini produced Aeneas and Anchises, The Rape of Proserpina, Apollo and Daphne, and David, establishing his fame.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Began the bronze baldachin over the high altar of St Peter's Basilica
1623 – 1634

Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, Bernini created the monumental bronze baldachin beneath the dome of St Peter's.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed architect of St Peter's Basilica
1629

Bernini succeeded Carlo Maderno as chief architect of St Peter's Basilica.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Caterina Tezio
May 1639

Bernini married Caterina Tezio, with whom he had eleven children.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Created the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa in the Cornaro Chapel
1647 – 1652

Bernini completed the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa in Santa Maria della Vittoria, a summit of Baroque sculpture.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Designed the colonnade of St Peter's Square
1656 – 1667

Under Pope Alexander VII, Bernini designed the vast elliptical colonnade embracing St Peter's Square.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Traveled to Paris at the invitation of King Louis XIV
June 1665 – October 1665

Bernini spent several months in Paris producing designs for the Louvre and a celebrated marble bust of Louis XIV.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Rome
28 November 1680

Bernini died in Rome shortly before his 82nd birthday and was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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