Bernini

sculptor, architect, painter, playwrite, set designer, metal worker....

He was a leading figure in Roman Baroque. ( Sagitarius! 1598-1680) He designed the Piazza in front of St Peter's. mSee back to the Borghese Gallery for his amazing sculptures. ( see the sculpture that he did when he was about 11) ...incredible genius. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gian_Lorenzo_Bernini

There is so much information as he lived a very interesting life. I would like to find a good book about Bernini.

Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, by Bernini

We never got to see the inside as it didn't open. Finished in 1670. Bernini did the exterior and interior. He considered it a masterpiece. So much to take in. This competes with Borromini's San Carlo just down the street, built at the same time.

Santa Maria Della Vittoria / Cornaro Chapel /

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa...wow! by Bernini.

Here is the chapel, designed and decorated by Bernini. Note the audience in window boxes on the left and right.  The whole thing could use a good dusting.

The baroque altar...jammed packed with stuff. 

Bernini Staircase at Palzzo Barberini

Borromini did one staircase on the right side of the palazzo and Bernini did the other. 

They are very different. This is Bernini's.  

Borromini Staircase in Palazzo Barberini

Look at how beautiful and unusual.

Borromini / Interesting Baroque Architect / San Carlo

 Leading figure in Roman Baroque Architecture. ( born 1599...committed suicide in 1667) He developed a very particular style, unlike any of him contemporaries. ( including his main rival, Bernini). Self Taught, used pencil sketches to design structures.

He was an odd cat with a bad temper and was very introspective and depressed.

We saw San Carlo alle Quattre Fontane..the pictures you see here. It is a masterpiece. The whole thing is based on the pyramid and circle. There are no 90 degree angles...everyone has been cut to be come 45 degrees. Every inch is thought out. Serpentine front.

It is tiny. The cloister is perfection.

 

Cloister

 

Osteria Brunetti

This was a very nice place that I had lunch at on a very cold Sunday afternoon.

I got there early so it was quiet. By the time Ileft it was packed. I would have liked to have taken photos of the food but there were 3 workers in the dining room watching my every move. I had meatballs that were excellent...then Fettucini with White Clam sauce...also excellent.