Sculpture: Hard stone & Soft power: the Metamorphosis of Gian Lorenzo Bernini

The Western tradition of sculpturebegan in Greco-Roman times, in 800 BC, when artists moved away from creating purely devotional or functional objects towards an endeavour to capture the human body in materials that could withstand the test of time.

During the early modern period of the Baroque, appearances, and changes, inspired from the literary and artistic models of Antiquity, materialise in the sculptural works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 – 1680).  His representations of living forms turn to the past, to celebrate the present and shape the future. They are so flawless and glorious, that they almost reach the divine. With unsurpassed skills, masterly techniques, and the symbolism they evoke, Bernini gives life to stone. He creates visual performances that are physical, but also psychological, and even ideological. In the political context of 17th century Rome, such revival of Greco-Roman myths, were a portent of Christian doctrines and secular rules. Their purposes were instrumental in supporting the papacy and the Counter-Reformation.

delivered by SOPHIE LACHOWSKY 

If you enjoy talks by Sophie or on Sculpture, you might put the following in your diary:

31/3/23: THE ABSTRACTION OF LOUISE NEVELSON - ON THE EDGE OF THE ABYSS AND THE GEOMETRY OF FEAR

28/4/23: THE CONTEMPORARY: RACHEL WHITEREAD reveals the negative space and CORNELIA PARKER connects objects with the fragility of the human condition

Once booked you will receive a confirmation email containing a link and password to watch the talk.

Please note there are technical issues at the start of this talk. The price is therefore reduced.