Description
Book SynopsisBernini and His World is a unique exploration of Gian Lorenzo Bernini the sculptor, offering new insights and including discussions of the artist’s stylistic innovations and the ways in which he approached sculpture. Placing his life and work within a social, anthropological and historical context, Livio Pestilli gives a fascinating and in-depth account, from the Rome in which Bernini lived and its reception of foreign sculptors to the myth-making narrative of his biographers, and the judgements of his critics.
Beautifully illustrated and engagingly written, this book draws on a deep familiarity with both historic and modern Italian culture to give readers a vivid account of sculpture and sculptors in early modern Rome, and of Bernini’s lasting legacy.
Trade Review'Pestilli’s innovative approach offers exciting new perspectives on the artist, and makes you look afresh at the man, his work and his world.' –
The Art Newspaper 'documents Bernini's legacy to other artists with a staggering array of color photographs...vast visual encyclopedia of Baroque sculpture in Rome...the real value of the book is its magical mystery tour through the mind and art of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Rome’s very own Vesuvius' –
New York Review of Books'Pestilli and his publisher deserve high praise for having assembled the most beautiful collection of colour images of Roman baroque sculpture between two covers.' – Bruce Boucher,
TLS'Livio Pestilli approaches the artist not chronologically but kaleidoscopically, as he puts it, posing unexpected questions that allow him to probe the career and the major works in eye-opening ways.' –
The Burlington Magazine'In this fascinating book, Pestilli (Trinity College, Rome) provides thought-provoking insights into the life and art of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680). Pestilli extends discussion of the artist into new territory fitting for the present environment. With its excellent illustrations and solid scholarly apparatus, this is a valuable book for academic audiences. Highly recommended.' – A. V. Coonin, Rhodes College, Choice Reviews
Table of ContentsPreface; Chapter 1: "Berninus Neapolitan[us] sculptor"; Chapter 2: Of Sculptors and Cobblers; Chapter 3: Tall Tales; Chapter 4: Biographies, Garments, and Bernini's "Abito...grosso, e rozzo" in Perspective; Chapter 5: Pride and Prejudice: Paris–Rome; Chapter 6: Bernini's Shadow; Bibliography; Index
