Skip to main content

Among the Italians, with Bernini

Image
By
It seems that every year, about half-way through, I lull. There is a huge gap in my blogs from about May to the end of the year. And this year, I didn't even start until March. Is it any wonder that my email used to be slacker_a?

While scrolling through favorite statuary, I came across Apollo and Daphne, and my eyes lit up. Maybe this story is so intriguing to me because I have a sister named Daphne. Or maybe the statue itself is what drew me in. Apollo, who has been hit by those tricky arrows that belong to Eros (a.k.a. Cupid), wants Daphne so badly that he won't give in to her refusals. Daphne detests Apollo, and begs her father for help in getting away from him. The way I see the story - and many others as well - is that Apollo was about to deprive Daphne of her virtue, and so her father turns her into a Laurel tree. She is still a living thing, and though not a human, has escaped Apollo's grasp.

From Wikipedia
This sculpture by Bernini is, in effect, enthralling. Most pieces done in marble by any master are beautiful at the least, but Bernini had a way with it. He had the ability to make a white rock resemble fine textile.
From TrekEarth, Bernini's Angel
This Angel sculpture by Bernini is an even better example of how fantastic he was when it came to sculpting cloth. The detail is incredible! He also had a way of leaving a form nude and covering it up at the same time, revealing the beauty of the human figure in a way that no one else had before.

Close Up of Apollo and Daphne, from WTF ArtHistory
If you look at the detail of Apollo's hand closing around Daphne's hip, you'll notice that his fingers never actually touch her skin, but that the bark of the tree has already formed and stops him from getting what he wants. I love how Bernini depicted the transformation of a human into a tree. You get a glimpse of her beauty before she is completely transformed, which is one of the things that makes this piece so captivating. If he would have sculpted an angry Apollo with a Laurel Tree, some of the power would have already exuded us.

The Rape of Persephone, from When In Rome
Bernini had a talent for capturing art "in the moment." He sculpted The Rape of Persephone, a truly horrifying moment (but again, captivating) at which Persephone is trying to escape Pluto, the ruler of Hades.

Ecstasy of St. Theresa, from Wikipedia
In the Ecstasy of St. Theresa, we are caught in the middle of a moment between St. Theresa and God, where the angel is a mediator. This is probably one of his more well-known sculptures, especially in the Roman-Catholic population of Italy. Again, there is meticulous attention to detail here, and we are intrigued and drawn-in by something we're not sure we should be a part of, though we simply cannot look away.

If you're ever in Italy, don't pass up the opportunity to see Bernini and the many other amazing works of art you'll find there. And, in case you haven't already guess, this year I'll be focusing on Italian artists. Join me next time for our next focus, Antonio Canova.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Now: Time for Wax

By
Though my post is a little late, cut me some slack. It's raining and gorgeous outside, and we've been enjoying it. Might sound crazy, but I am so glad this summer is over.  Tomorrow we head to Baer Bronze to check the metal. Before that, Mike had to go out there to check the wax:  Mostly, this blog is going to be in photos. Because the photos are awesome and speak for themselves. When I look at this wax, I'm not sure what the purpose is. Here's what I know: Mike's pieces are cast using the Lost Wax method, which means the piece is cast in wax first, remolded, and then when the bronze is poured the wax is burned away. Hence, the lost wax method.  This is an amazing shot. What I like about this broken wax piece is the detail you can see. This is pretty much what the bronze will look like. You know, minus the attachments on the bottom.  There are some of the pieces that had to be removed and cast separately. The wolf is one of my favorite figures from thi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Now: Up at the Springville Museum of Art

By
It's finished! Isn't it always nice when you can say something like that? With all the work that went into this relief, Mike is ready for vacation. Even the casting process put him through a physical and emotional ride. The work that goes into creating something, from concept to finished product, is amazingly strenuous and impressive. When I try the process myself I tend to give up, so I have a tremendous respect for artists in general. Last night we went to the opening of the Fall Show at the Springville Museum of Art. There were a LOT of people there. I think they ran out of cups for water. But it was a nice evening, with beautiful art, and great people. Mike has received continuous awards in this show for the last...seven years? Eight, maybe? This is how you know that he works hard and puts a lot of himself into his pieces. Not only is he good, but he uses his talents and knowledge for good. He creates pieces that convey messages about important qualities and eleme...
Post a Comment
Read more

Now: The Molding Process

By
I know it's been a month since I last posted. Wondering what we're doing? Wonder no more! It's hot, the kids are back in school, and it's project-finishing time. Today I'm going to post some photos (and maybe videos) of the casting process for Mike's last project. When Mike gets to the end of a project, he can literally feel the exhaustion settle in, so for this project he spent time documenting the process. Baer Bronze examines the piece for casting The piece above has already been "tampered with," as I like to call it. Really it's just been cut up and pulled apart to make the casting process easier. Mike usually doesn't like this part, taking a knife or a saw and slicing into all his hard work. But it's worth it in the end. Figure that needed to be "dismembered" Here comes the blue stuff. This pretty blue goo is what makes the rubber mold. They mix it from powder and paint it on the clay. The foundry makes sure to ...
Post a Comment
Read more