Bernini's Earliest Showpieces

Bernini's Earliest Showpieces Bernini's earliest fountain, named Barcaccia, is a breath taking work of art found at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. This spot continues to be filled with Roman locals and tourists who like to exchanging gossip or going over the day's news. Today, the city streets surrounding Bernini's water fountain are a trendy area where people go to gather, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. In about 1630, the great artist designed the very first fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. Depicted in the fountain's design is a large ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Period writings dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was constructed as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. In what turned out to be his one and only prolonged absence from Italy, Bernini {journeyed | traveled] to France in 1665.

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Outdoor Water Fountains

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Outdoor Water Fountains 181269096240.jpg

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Outdoor Water Fountains There are countless popular water fountains in the city center of Rome. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, almost all of them were planned, conceptualized and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was also a urban designer, in addition to his expertise as a fountain designer, and traces of his life's work are noticeable throughout the streets of Rome. A famous Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father guided his young son, and they ultimately went to Rome to fully express their artwork, mainly in the form of public water features and water fountains. An excellent worker, the young Bernini earned compliments and patronage of various popes and influential artists. He was originally renowned for his sculpture. An expert in ancient Greek engineering, he utilized this knowledge as a base and melded it gracefully with Roman marble, most famously in the Vatican. Although many artists impacted his artistic endeavors, Michelangelo influenced him the most.