David - Gian Leonardo Bernini​ ​Formative 2

Shah Mohebbi

Gian Leonardo Bernini (1598 - 1680) was an italian writer,

architect, sculptor, painter, scenographer among other
things. He came into the late renaissance era, but was
considered a remarkable talent of the Italian baroque.
Without him Rome would of been a much different place
missing many of its spiritual monuments and figures. He
was regarded as one of the very few true great artists,
among Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Bernini's contribution to the arts were heavily made as a
way to serve the ‘one true faith’. Bernini lived a long life and
was endlessly creating art up until his 80s. Some would
consider him as one of the finest sculptor to have ever
lived.

In comparison to the famous David by Michelangelo, this sculpture, although resembling the same
biblical character, is different on many levels. When you look at the two side by side you see that
Michelangelo conveys a sense of subtlety and elegance, and although you see some of those
characteristics in Bernini's work, you notice more of the aggressive movement (like many of his
sculptures), which seems to be the opposite of Michelangelos static stance. Not only is the body
sculpted with utmost excellence but also are the surrounding objects, such as the harp, armour,
clothes, slingshot etc.

This sculpture was created between 1623/1624 in the course of seven months. It is also life size.
In 1618 Gian Lorenzo Bernini abandoned his sculpture of Apollo and Daphne in order to start work
on David, a commissioned piece of work to be done under the word of Scipione Borghese. The
work was to be created for Borgheses villa.

What grabbed me about this sculpture is the sheer amount of momentum that it shows. Unlike any
other past sculptors, Gian Lorenzo Bernini had created a unique style that had truly revolutionised
sculpting. It was such a style that could make the audience believe that they were staring at flesh
not just marble or stone. The way Bernini skillfully sculpted the smooth surface of the skin and
added pressure to the exact right areas made the sculpture so lifelike and believable. It is basically
just perfect from any angle and crafted beautifully

References:
Documentary: ​The Power of Art
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/bernini-s-progress_782743.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Bernini)
Image:​ ​http://www.artble.com/imgs/1/7/2/724042/david.jpg