Art Blog #1 - Gianlorenzo Bernini

The Baroque Age ushered in an awakening in the world of art. Beginning around 1600 and lasting until approximately 1715, this period in time brought advancements in art - paintings, sculpture and architecture - that had only begun to emerge by the end of the previous era known as the Renaissance.

The first Baroque art began as part of the Catholic Church's Counter Reformation, in response to the Protestant Reformation, which had begun to draw worshippers away from their previous devotion to the traditions of the Catholic faith. Church officials believed they could win people back with stunning examples of art, sculpture and architecture that went beyond anything they had seen before. It was hoped the people would come back to the church after being won over by the new emphasis on realism that exemplified the Baroque style.

In the world of sculpture, artists sought to instill their creations with the illusion of reality. Their carvings became more elaborate than ever, and they used lighting and perspective in ways meant to maximize the effect of their sculptures on observers - making them feel a part of the art rather than merely bystanders.

No one personified the Baroque Age more than Gianlorenzo Bernini. Born in Italy in 1598, this gifted artist crafted his first sculpture at the age of 17 - or perhaps even younger - and continued to sculpt magnificent works of art until his death in 1680. His final sculpture - a figure of Christ - was completed at the age of 81. A devout Catholic, he shared the vision of reaching out to those who had wandered away from the church. He poured his heart and soul into his creations, and his acclaim as a genius appears justified by the results he achieved.



Self-Portrait of Gianlorenzo Bernini - circa 1623.

A perfect example of his talent, and which captures the essence of the Baroque style, is Bernini's David. Commissioned in 1623 by his principle patron, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, Bernini completed the sculpture in just seven months - finishing it when he was only 24 years old. The life-sized sculpture stands five feet, seven inches tall and is sculpted entirely out of marble. Upon completion, David was displayed in the Galleria Borghese, where it still resides today.



Bernini's David

Bernini captured David at the critical moment in his conflict with Goliath. The stone has been set in its sling, and David's body is tensed and ready to do battle. His gaze is clearly fixed upon his antagonist, whose presence, while not part of the sculpture, is nonetheless intensely felt by observers. As opposed to the static poses carved by Michelangelo and Verrochio, who portrayed David before and after the fight with Goliath, respectively, Bernini has captured the moment of conflict itself.

David is one of my favorite sculptures from this brilliant artist. I am in awe of the quality of workmanship and how lifelike David appears. The sculpture comes alive with an emotion and power that is truly amazing. I especially appreciate the look on David's face - it conveys the determination of a man not only ready to take on a formidable opponent, but also prepared to stand against an enemy who dared to defy "the armies of the living God" (Holy Bible, 1 Samuel 17:36).



The look of determination on David's face

Another unforgettable example of Bernini's ability is The Rape of Proserpina. This large marble sculpture was commissioned by Cardinal Borghese in 1621 - when Bernini was just 23 - the same year Bernini was knighted by Pope Gregory XV. Shortly after its completion, the sculpture was given to Cardinal Ludovisi. In 1908 it was purchased by the state of Italy and returned to the Galleria Borghese.



Bernini's The Rape of Proserpina

The sculpture denotes a time in Greek mythology when Pluto, the god of the underworld, kidnaps (a more accurate term than "rapes") the goddess Persephone (known in Roman mythology as Proserpina). Bernini captures the moment Pluto has picked her up, ready to carry her off to her destiny. There is a look of terror on her face, while Pluto seems amused at her hopeless struggles.



Pluto pressing his fingers into Proserpina's flesh

The main reason The Rape of Proserpina is one of my favorite Bernini sculptures is how real the scene appears, and the senses of motion and emotion that are portrayed. Pluto is positioned accurately, as if he is really supporting Proserpina's weight. Proserpina's terror is real, and there even appear to be tears dripping down her face. But the most amazing aspect of the sculpture is the way Pluto's fingers press into Proserpina's flesh as he prepares to abduct her. To have achieved this level of realism from a block of marble is truly a testament to Bernini's remarkable skill.

Below is a quick video showing alternating views of Bernini's David, The Rape of Proserpina, and Apollo and Daphne.

Concept Blog #1 - Science and Religion

The struggle between science and religion has been around for centuries, and there is no evidence of the debate ending anytime soon. For some, science has replaced the need for God or a creator. Others retain their faith while welcoming and acknowledging the advancements science has brought. I fall into the latter category, firmly believing that science and religion can and do coexist.

The debate between science and faith may have existed, in one form or another, since the beginning of time. But it was the Scientific Revolution, beginning during the Renaissance, that really amplified the controversy. Men like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei and Rene Descartes began to view the world around them in new ways. Applying what they already knew, they sought to discover new things and understand the truths behind how everything worked.



Galileo before the Holy Office by Joseph-Nicolas Robert-Fleury

Unfortunately, each of these men, along with many others, came into direct conflict with the Catholic Church. Steeped in tradition and smarting from the cataclysmic division caused by the Protestant Reformation, the Church perceived these men as heretics, and the Scientific Revolution as a direct threat to its authority and the teachings of the Bible. The Church placed Galileo and others on trial for heresy, using a previously established system known as the Inquisition. The men were accused of attempting to subvert the word of God and the faith people had in the Church and its leaders. Using coercion and torture, they fought against the scientific progress these men were endeavoring to further.



Two priests demand a heretic to repent as he is tortured.

But men like Copernicus, Galileo and others were not trying to undermine the authority of the Church, nor were they out to destroy the people's faith in religion. They believed in God and the authenticity of the Bible. Also believing in most of the teachings of the Catholic Church, they had no intent to diminish its influence. They were simply in search of the truth, an understanding of the very principles God had used to create the world. There was nothing unbiblical in what they were doing, something the Catholic Church at the time failed to understand.

It seems some things never really change. Spiritual leaders have always been threatened by change or new ideas. They want to defend both their faith and their power. The leaders of the Sanhedrin were afraid Jesus would draw people toward Himself and away from the control they had over the people's lives. In a world of Roman domination, they had little control over much else, and they felt threatened enough by Jesus to have Him killed. In the same way, the Catholic Church at the time of the Scientific Revolution found itself challenged by the Protestant Reformation, and was quick to brand as heretics anyone who appeared to question the Church's doctrine.

There is just as much division between science and religion today as there has been in the past - perhaps even more now, with fewer people actively practicing a given faith. In Galileo's time, most believed in God and religious principles, whether they considered themselves Catholic or Protestant. But today, society - at least in this country - offers the suggestion that people can choose to live without religion, while at the same time enjoying the fruits of scientific discovery. So the debate continues.

I personally believe science and religion can coexist, and they can do so peacefully and rationally. I believe God created the world, and He did so using scientific principles. He also created mankind, giving us minds with the ability to think, investigate, explore, experiment and - most importantly - comprehend the "mysteries" we've discovered. What's more, we can use what we've learned to better not only our lives but the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves. For example, exploring science allows us to accomplish medical breakthroughs to help the sick, while improvements in transportation technologies can get medicine to patients (or patients to medicine) faster than ever.

People don't have to choose between science and religion. They can have faith in both simultaneously.