What might have been
Today I was asked in passing about Bernini’s genius at both small (sculptures) as well as massive (Saint Peter’s), and I began to think about what would happen if Bernini only concentrated on sculpture. If you begin your career by producing Proserpina within in a few years of being on your own, what would have been possible had he continued just sculpting until he died into his 80s.
Proserpina as you probably already know is the most captivating piece of art that I have ever witnessed. I post it so often that I get hate mail. But rather than become upset, I just change the angle that I show next time.
Pluto and Proserpina.
Pluto stands approximately 7 feet tall the pedestal is around 3-1/2 feet tall. It’s a rather imposing statue and the pose is dynamic, but what might have been. Consider Longinus at the transept at the Saint Peter’s Basilica. The statue stands an impressive 14 feet tall and 14 feet wide, it gives us an idea of what he could have done if he wanted to go larger. Think of the mammoth David of Michelangelo, but with movement. What would his David, at the Borghese looked like at double the height and width.
I suppose it’s only a thought experiment but it would be wonderful to see what he could have accomplished. Around Saint Peter’s however perhaps we would have missed the many wonders that he left like the Chair of Saint Peter, and the Tomb of Alexander VII
Chair of Saint Peter -Top and Tomb of Alexander VII - Bottom
There are many other projects that occupied his time including the famous colonnade at Saint Peter’s, as well as fountains and an attempt to build clock towers that were begun before he took over and not as strong as they should have been. Not to forget the intriguing Baldachino that has captivated visitors for hundreds of years.
Baldachino which is currently covered undergoing restoration.
All totaled his genius in my opinion will never be matched by artisans again, I say he is the most remarkable polymath to ever exist in the world of art and architecture.