By Anne Leader
Gianlorenzo Bernini died on this day in 1680 in Rome. He was 82. Like Michelangelo before him, Bernini was best known for his virtuoso sculpture but also excelled at painting and architecture. His dramatic designs and exquisite craftsmanship earned him the reputation of the greatest sculptor of his day, and he was widely sought after by cardinals, popes, and kings.
Pluto and Proserpina, detail. 1621-2, marble. Rome: Galleria Borghese.
Self Portrait, about age 25. Rome: Galleria Borghese.
Cathedra Petri, 1656-7, marble, bronze, glass. Rome: St. Peter’s.
Tomb of Pope Alexander VII, 1671-8, marble and bronze. Rome: St. Peter’s
Baldacchino, 1623-4, gilded bronze. Rome: St. Peter’s.
Apollo and Daphne, 1622-5, marble. Rome: Galleria Borghese.
Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and onlookers, 1647-52, marble. Rome: Cornaro Chapel, Santa Maria della Vittoria.
Beata Lodovica Albertoni, 1671-4. Rome: Altieri-Albertoni Chapel, San Francesco a Ripa.
Piazza San Pietro, 1656-7. Rome.