Lecture Notes: Bernini's David and the Baroque Period

Introduction

• Lecture takes place in the gallery of Galleria Borghese in Rome.
• Focus on the sculpture of "David" by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created in Bernini's 20s for Cardinal Borghese.
• The sculpture represents the biblical story of David and Goliath from the Old Testament.

The Story of David

• David, a young shepherd destined to be king, faces Goliath, a giant of the Philistines.
• Israelites are in battle; David is armed only with stones and a slingshot.
• David defeats Goliath with a single stone, then beheads him with Goliath's sword.
• Bernini's sculpture captures the moment of action, the release of the stone.

Comparison with Michelangelo’s David

• Michelangelo's David, a High Renaissance work, dates to the early 1500s.
• Michelangelo’s sculpture is idealized, reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman art.
• Michelangelo shows David before the battle, capturing restraint and potential energy.

Baroque Characteristics in Bernini’s David

• Bernini’s work reflects the Baroque period, over 100 years after Michelangelo.
• Emphasis on movement; David is depicted in the midst of action.
• Bernini’s sculpture involves viewers emotionally and spatially.
• Contrast with Michelangelo: Bernini's David is dynamic, forming a diagonal line full of energy.

Emotional and Physical Engagement

• Bernini uses tension in David’s body, expression of focus and determination.
• The sculpture involves the viewer in the narrative, typical of Baroque art.
• Baroque art intended to engage and affirm faith, aligning with Counter-Reformation ideals.

The Role of Baroque Art

• Art used as a teaching tool, deepening faith and bringing biblical stories to life.
• Unlike Renaissance art, Baroque art is immersive and seductive, not distant or purely contemplative.

Naturalism in Bernini’s Work

• Bernini captures the naturalism and complexity of the human body.
• His David is a humanized, relatable figure, unlike the god-like figures of the High Renaissance.

Conclusion

• Bernini integrates Renaissance lessons but propels them into a new dynamic and naturalistic direction.
• His work exemplifies the Baroque’s emphasis on emotional involvement and realism.
• The sculpture brings the biblical narrative into a relatable, tangible form for contemporary audiences.