Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Masterpieces: St. Peter's Square & Baldacchino

Gian Lorenzo Bernini: Biographical Aspects

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian Baroque sculptor and painter. A creator of monumental and decorative Baroque art, Bernini deployed his capabilities especially in architecture and sculpture. All his work was carried out in Rome, often serving the popes. Bernini used architecture as a sculptor, for expressionist purposes. His knowledge of classical architecture led him to prefer the use of porticos and columns crowned by a pediment. As an architect and sculptor, Bernini achieved a perfect relationship between the two arts in works such as the Baldacchino of St. Peter's and the Cornaro Chapel with The Ecstasy of St. Teresa.

Key Architectural Works

St. Peter's Square (1656-1667)

The colonnade of St. Peter's Square, designed by Bernini between 1656 and 1667, is a masterpiece of Roman Baroque architecture, crafted from stone and marble. It is elliptically shaped, featuring a grand colonnade. The columns extend from the facade of the basilica like two large arms embracing humanity. Bernini took a central axis as his starting point. He designed two straight arms extending from the ends of the facade, converging towards the axis, which creates an optical illusion that enhances the perceived dimension of the main facade. These two straight arms are composed of a magnificent Doric-Roman colonnade, surmounted by an entablature and statues.

The curved colonnade consists of four rows of columns of different orders, and on the entablature stand 140 statues of saints. The view of the basilica's facade from the central axis is intentionally disrupted by the great obelisk in the center of the ellipse, forcing the viewer's gaze sideways. Bernini was particularly concerned with plays of perspective to enhance the effect of depth. The oval shape of the square symbolizes the world gathered around the Pope. He took into account the blessing ceremony and the pilgrims viewing from the Pope's apartments. He chose the oval shape of the square specifically so as not to obscure Michelangelo's cupola.

Baldacchino of St. Peter's (1624-1633)

Bernini created this work between 1624 and 1633 in Rome, positioned under Michelangelo's dome. This Baroque masterpiece, cast in bronze, measures 29 meters in height. It is considered the first monumental commemorative religious architecture. It covers the high altar, placed directly over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle, proclaiming a new architectural style.

Bernini drew inspiration from ancient ciboria and altar canopies, creating a baldacchino of colossal dimensions, using bronze previously used for other purposes. Its construction rises on four pedestals, supporting Solomonic columns. These columns are believed to be inspired by those from Solomon's Temple, featuring capitals influenced by later styles and an added frame with dark and golden volutes. The dark bronze of the Baldacchino contrasts with the white marble pillars that support the dome. The shaft of each column is divided horizontally into three parts: the inferior part decorated with stripes, and the other two with tendrils and leaves.