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8.6: Bernini, David

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    Bernini, David

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    Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
    Medium: Marble
    Art Historical Time Period: Baroque (1623–1624)

    Bernini's David is a life-size marble sculpture created between 1623 and 1624. This dynamic sculpture captures the biblical hero David in the act of slinging a stone at Goliath. Unlike earlier Renaissance depictions by artists like Michelangelo, Bernini's David is full of movement and emotion, embodying the Baroque style's emphasis on drama and intensity. Bernini's innovative approach to depicting David's action and psychological intensity marked a significant departure from the static poses of earlier works, influencing the future of European sculpture.

    Bernini's David is a powerful example of Baroque art. The sculpture shows David just as he is about to throw the stone that will defeat Goliath. This moment of action and concentration is captured with incredible detail. David's muscles are tense, and his face shows determination. This makes the sculpture feel alive and full of energy. Bernini's use of space is also important. The sculpture is designed to be viewed from multiple angles, making the viewer feel like they are part of the action. This was a new and exciting way to create art at the time.

     

    Student Authors

    • Mariana Vargas ’25 and Santiago Cortez ’24

    References and Image Attribution

    • Avery, C. (1997). Bernini: Genius of the Baroque. Thames & Hudson.

    • Hibbard, H. (1965). Bernini. Penguin Books.

    • Wittkower, R. (1955). Gian Lorenzo Bernini: The Sculptor of the Roman Baroque. Phaidon Press.

    • Image: “34- Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David, 1623-24 -FG34” via Wikimedia Commons by Jk1677, under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal. Modified from original.

     

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