Bernini (Paperback)

~ Rudolph Wittkower (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Wittkower's (1901-71) book, first published in 1955 and updated in 1966 and 1981, derives from an Italian edition of 1900. The text, which deals chiefly with the sculptures of this multifaceted Italian artist (1598-1680), is a classic. Though some of the entries have been updated and some new plates added, the main reason for this new edition seems to be its first issuance in paperback. This, and the fact that the color plates are less than stellar, mean that all but advanced art history collections can safely pass on this edition if they have earlier ones. Avery's book takes a broader look at Bernini, covering sculpture, drawings, models in terra cotta, urbanistic projects such as fountains, and his work for St. Peter's and other Roman churches. The color photographs are better than those in the Phaidon book, where they are separate from the text; neither title offers uniformly better black-and-whites. Avery (sculpture, Victoria and Albert Museum) writes well, offers more context and comparative illustrations, and draws on material unavailable to Wittkower in shaping his text. Avery is the choice for all but the most scholarly of collections, which will want both titles.?Jack Perry Brown, Art Inst. of Chicago Lib.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) was the most influential sculptor of his age. Inventive and skilled, he virtually created the Baroque style. In his religious sculptures he excelled at capturing movement and extreme emotion, uniting figures with their setting to create a single conception of overwhelming intensity that expressed the fervour of Counter-Reformation Rome. Intensity and drama also characterize his portraits and world-famous Roman fountains. This monograph provides an authoritative introduction to all aspects of Bernini's sculpture, while the full catalogue gives detailed information on his complete oeuvre.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Phaidon Press; 4 edition (September 26, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714837156
• ISBN-13: 978-0714837154
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #283,613 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Bernini Scholars, September 5, 2000

By	The Alexandrian (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Wittkower's work is simply stated an artistic anthology of the achievements and life of the chief architect of the Roman Baroque. His perseptive commentary and pertinent factual information are extremely useful to all who attempt to comprehend the complex messages behind all of Bernini's work. While the author stays committed to rendering the artist as a sculptor and architect, one wishes that Wittkower would delve more into the environment, particularly political and religious movements, that continually serve as an impetus and background to Bernini's chef d'oeuvres. Regardless, Wittkower's inclusion of both color and detailed black and white plates allow the viewer to observe the Baroque master's works in their appropriate light.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars bellissima, June 17, 2002

By A Customer

Wittkower has created a book that is easily enjoyable for those familiar of Bernini, or those starting to learn about art/archetecture of the Baroque. I highly reccommend this book to anyone remotely interested in this period, as the photos are clear and the explanations are not filled with jargon a lay person could not understand. bravo.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars See the Originals, May 4, 2009

By	Susan Mahar (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

The plates represent a more accurate representation than many others I have seen but unfortunately the images seemed to be photographed with a strong focal length that compresses each image......preventing the works from being appreciated as a whole. (See them for real and you will understand)

The details are exquisite though.....and represent intensely the most beautiful aspects of Bernini's works.....

Plates 86 and 87 are some of my favorites.....and they detail some of the most beautiful aspects of Lodovicia......that Bernini expressed so passionately and so bravely.....

Wittkower writes concise and direct descriptive overviews of the different components to Bernini's works ....that can be appreciated on many levels.....

.......interestingly enough....Bernini mostly utilized cadavers as models....although his sculptures appear so alive....and full of passion.....