I’ve not really thought of myself as having any particular affinity for the Baroque style. In fact, I suppose that when the word is mentioned it is architecture that would come to mind most spontaneously, and I have always found that to be over-elaborate, fussy and ostentatious. Baroque work, when placed in contrast with other styles has never held any great attraction for me …. until now.
Today was the monthly meeting of the regional Italian Circle, and today’s speaker (Sabrina Casarin, a historian of art) was talking about the contrasts between Baroque and neo-Classical sculpture. I began to realise the extent to which, in the past, I have felt moved by the work, in particular, of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. There was an occasion several years ago, in Rome, when I encountered his Apollo and Daphne, and was almost overcome by the experience.* Today, however, Sabrina Casarin introduced me to a piece I had never previously encountered, namely, his David. This was a happy coincidence, because over the past couple of weeks I have been discussing with my Italian language teacher a group of Renaissance sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David. So it has been interesting today to think about the contrasts between the two.
I have to admit that my vote went immediately to the Bernini, which captures extraordinarily well the sense of action and the emotional intensity of the situation. I know that Michelangelo’s piece is intended to convey the rational intelligence of his protagonist, but when I reflect on the situation it is supposed to suggest, of confrontation with extreme danger and the inequality of the contestants, it comes across to me as overly ideological and lacking in the power to really engage the viewer.
I don’t know whether I’ve just experienced a conversion to the Baroque in general, but I can’t wait to have further encounters with Bernini.
*In fact, my wife became quite worried, I think, wondering if I was quite OK.