Explore the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor, architect and designer who defined the visual language of the Baroque and helped transform Rome into a theatrical city of art, faith and power. This session examines his major works, artistic innovations and legacy within the cultural and political context of seventeenth-century Rome, also in light of the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Bar...
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Gian Lorenzo Bernini was one of the most influential artists of the seventeenth century. Active as a sculptor, architect and designer, he played a central role in shaping the visual identity of Baroque Rome. He is especially renowned for his ability to transform sculpture and architecture into immersive experiences that engage the viewer both physically and emotionally.
This session explores Bernini as an ambitious and innovative artist working within a network of powerful patrons closely connected to the papacy. Beginning with his early sculptures and the patronage of Scipione Borghese, the discussion traces the emergence of his distinctive sculptural language through works such as Apollo and Daphne, in which marble appears to transform into living flesh, wind and foliage.
The session will also consider Bernini’s role in shaping the urban and ceremonial spaces of Rome. Projects such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona and the colonnade of St Peter’s Square demonstrate how sculpture, architecture and urban design could be combined to produce theatrical environments.
Bernini’s work will also be discussed in relation to the Barberini papacy, particularly the patronage of Pope Urban VIII, which helped establish him as the leading artistic voice of Rome. This relationship is explored in the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini, which reassesses the artistic and political alliance between Bernini and the Barberini family.
What will we cover?
Bernini’s early mythological and narrative sculptures, including Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius and Apollo and Daphne
The dramatic expression of religious experience in works such as the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Bernini’s transformation of Rome through monumental projects such as the Fountain of the Four River
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Describe key characteristics of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptural and architectural style
Identify how patronage and political context shaped his artistic career
Discuss how Bernini’s works exemplify the theatrical and emotional qualities of Baroque art
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations, activities and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.
Elisa Stafferini is an art historian specialising in Renaissance and early modern Italian art. She recently completed her PhD at the Warburg Institute with a thesis entitled Women in Arms: Female Warriors in Italian Art, 1500–1700. She holds a BA and an MA summa cum laude from La Sapienza Università di Roma. Elisa has held research appointments at the University of Oxford, at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz (KHI), and at the Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) in Pisa. Her research interests encompass early modern visual culture, iconography and iconology, gender and politics in art, and the relationship between word and image. She has delivered lectures on Renaissance art and iconography in both Italy and the UK and currently teaches the module “Art in London before 1600” at University College London.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/study-day-bernini-and-the-making-of-baroque-rome3040531Study day: Bernini and the making of Baroque Romehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-bernini-and-the-making-of-baroque-rome-vb345-1200.jpg6969GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Early modern world22851136117718891228511771136<p>Explore the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor, architect and designer who defined the visual language of the Baroque and helped transform Rome into a theatrical city of art, faith and power. This session examines his major works, artistic innovations and legacy within the cultural and political context of seventeenth-century Rome, also in light of the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini in Rome.</p>003040519Study day: Bernini and the making of Baroque Rome6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-bernini-and-the-making-of-baroque-rome-vb345-1200_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-07-04T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJul 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB3456969Study day: Bernini and the making of Baroque Rome554569Elisa Stafferinistudy-day-bernini-and-the-making-of-baroque-rome/vb345-2526<p>Explore the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor, architect and designer who defined the visual language of the Baroque and helped transform Rome into a theatrical city of art, faith and power. This session examines his major works, artistic innovations and legacy within the cultural and political context of seventeenth-century Rome, also in light of the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini in Rome.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-04 00:00:00<p>Gian Lorenzo Bernini was one of the most influential artists of the seventeenth century. Active as a sculptor, architect and designer, he played a central role in shaping the visual identity of Baroque Rome. He is especially renowned for his ability to transform sculpture and architecture into immersive experiences that engage the viewer both physically and emotionally.</p><p>This session explores Bernini as an ambitious and innovative artist working within a network of powerful patrons closely connected to the papacy. Beginning with his early sculptures and the patronage of Scipione Borghese, the discussion traces the emergence of his distinctive sculptural language through works such as Apollo and Daphne, in which marble appears to transform into living flesh, wind and foliage.</p><p>The session will also consider Bernini’s role in shaping the urban and ceremonial spaces of Rome. Projects such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona and the colonnade of St Peter’s Square demonstrate how sculpture, architecture and urban design could be combined to produce theatrical environments.</p><p>Bernini’s work will also be discussed in relation to the Barberini papacy, particularly the patronage of Pope Urban VIII, which helped establish him as the leading artistic voice of Rome. This relationship is explored in the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini, which reassesses the artistic and political alliance between Bernini and the Barberini family.</p><p>Explore the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor, architect and designer who defined the visual language of the Baroque and helped transform Rome into a theatrical city of art, faith and power. This session examines his major works, artistic innovations and legacy within the cultural and political context of seventeenth-century Rome, also in light of the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini in Rome.</p><ul><li>Bernini’s early mythological and narrative sculptures, including Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius and Apollo and Daphne</li><li>The dramatic expression of religious experience in works such as the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa</li><li>Bernini’s transformation of Rome through monumental projects such as the Fountain of the Four River</li></ul><ul><li>Describe key characteristics of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptural and architectural style</li><li>Identify how patronage and political context shaped his artistic career</li><li>Discuss how Bernini’s works exemplify the theatrical and emotional qualities of Baroque art</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.</p><p>You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations, activities and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>Michelangelo, the High Renaissance to Mannerism</p>Art historyEarly modern worldvirtual556945VB345NONESat04/07/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetElisa StafferiniBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-07-04T00:00:00+00:00Jul 2026Culture, history & humanities6969Study day: Bernini and the making of Baroque Romestudy-day-bernini-and-the-making-of-baroque-rome/vb345-2526<p>Explore the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor, architect and designer who defined the visual language of the Baroque and helped transform Rome into a theatrical city of art, faith and power. This session examines his major works, artistic innovations and legacy within the cultural and political context of seventeenth-century Rome, also in light of the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini in Rome.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-04 00:00:00<p>Gian Lorenzo Bernini was one of the most influential artists of the seventeenth century. Active as a sculptor, architect and designer, he played a central role in shaping the visual identity of Baroque Rome. He is especially renowned for his ability to transform sculpture and architecture into immersive experiences that engage the viewer both physically and emotionally.</p><p>This session explores Bernini as an ambitious and innovative artist working within a network of powerful patrons closely connected to the papacy. Beginning with his early sculptures and the patronage of Scipione Borghese, the discussion traces the emergence of his distinctive sculptural language through works such as Apollo and Daphne, in which marble appears to transform into living flesh, wind and foliage.</p><p>The session will also consider Bernini’s role in shaping the urban and ceremonial spaces of Rome. Projects such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona and the colonnade of St Peter’s Square demonstrate how sculpture, architecture and urban design could be combined to produce theatrical environments.</p><p>Bernini’s work will also be discussed in relation to the Barberini papacy, particularly the patronage of Pope Urban VIII, which helped establish him as the leading artistic voice of Rome. This relationship is explored in the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini, which reassesses the artistic and political alliance between Bernini and the Barberini family.</p><p>Explore the life and work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor, architect and designer who defined the visual language of the Baroque and helped transform Rome into a theatrical city of art, faith and power. This session examines his major works, artistic innovations and legacy within the cultural and political context of seventeenth-century Rome, also in light of the recent exhibition Bernini e i Barberini at the Palazzo Barberini in Rome.</p><ul><li>Bernini’s early mythological and narrative sculptures, including Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius and Apollo and Daphne</li><li>The dramatic expression of religious experience in works such as the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa</li><li>Bernini’s transformation of Rome through monumental projects such as the Fountain of the Four River</li></ul><ul><li>Describe key characteristics of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptural and architectural style</li><li>Identify how patronage and political context shaped his artistic career</li><li>Discuss how Bernini’s works exemplify the theatrical and emotional qualities of Baroque art</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.</p><p>You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations, activities and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>Michelangelo, the High Renaissance to Mannerism</p>Art historyEarly modern worldconfigurable
18891136Early modern worldhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/early-modern-world1/2/285/1177/1136/18891/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Early modern world
