Gianlorenzo Bernini is beyond question one of the greatest artists of all time. World- famous above all for his uniquely powerful works of sculpture - the groups of Apollo and Daphne and Pluto Abducting Proserpina, the visionary mysticism of The Ecstasy of St Teresa, and the awe-inspiring tombs of the popes - he was also a virtuoso draughtsman and a competent painter; a pioneering caricaturist; he designed medals, gorgeous fountain displays and exuberant, lavish ornaments of every sort; he even wrote plays. In fact, he was the latter day epitome of the Renaissance ideal of the uomo universale.

Preface ii

Prologue: 'Padre scultore'- Pietro Bernini

and his studio U

l * Father and son: Pietro and Gianlorenzo in partnership 19

2 * Coming of age: the.first portraits 33

3 * Thegreat mythologicalgroups: Aeneas, Proserpina and Daphne 43

4 * The patronage of Urban VIII Barberini 73

5 * Popes and prelates: the mature portraits 83

6 * Architect to St Peter's: the Baldacchino and Cathedra Petri 95

7 * The papal tombs: Bernini and the Dance of Death 119

8 * Mystic vision: the later religious sculpture 141

9 * 'Friend of the waters': Bernini's Roman fountains 179

10 * Bernini's buildings: the sculptor as architect 2ll

11 * England and France: Bernini, servant of Kings 225

12 * Genius of the Baroque: talents and techniques 251

Epilogue: Bernini the man - life, death

and reputation 273

Notes 279

Bibliography 284 Photo Credits 285

Index 286