The Life of Bernini

This biography of Bernini provides insights into the artist's life and the context of seventeenth-century Italy, enriching our understanding of his legacy.

This biography delves into the life and work of the renowned artist Bernini, providing a unique lens through which to view his legacy. It explores not only the artistic achievements of Bernini but also the contemporary perceptions surrounding him during the seventeenth century. The motivations behind the author’s writing are examined, shedding light on the cultural and historical context of the time.

Originally published by Penn State Press in 1965, Catherine Enggass’s translation of Filippo Baldinucci’s Life of Bernini marks the first English-language edition of this significant work. After being out of print for several years, this new paperback edition includes an insightful introduction by Maarten Delbeke, Evonne Levy, and Steven F. Ostrow, who are also the editors of Bernini’s Biographies. This makes the book accessible to a new generation of readers.

Baldinucci’s biography is not just a recounting of Bernini’s life; it is an exploration of the nature of literary biography itself in the seventeenth century. By beginning his work while Bernini was still alive, Baldinucci offers a contemporary perspective that enriches our understanding of the artist’s impact on the art world. The Life of Bernini is thus a vital resource for anyone interested in the intersection of art, biography, and history.