Most Admired Sculptor: Bernini.

I am an art history enthusiast. I have taken several courses, and I plan to get a minor in art history alongside my current education major title. Enough about me, I would now like to focus attention towards this remarkable artist, Bernini. Bernini is known for his sculptures during the Baroque period (and as we like to say, "if it ain't Baroque, don't fix it!). He has birthed two of my all time favorite sculptures. When I look at his, "Ecstasy of St. Teresa" found at the Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome, I get shivers. I almost can feel the dramatic and overwhelming presence of God being depicted. The cherub is repeatedly stabbing Teresa with this ecstasy. The brass bars which hang downward help to express this golden moment. The way Bernini has sculpted this scene is unlike many followers of his time. The way he has manipulated the marble to capture light in a certain manner epitomizes the dramatic effect sought by the Baroque artists. Some would say that Teresa's facial image shows not only a serene state, but a climactic, almost sexual state of ecstasy. This can be attributed to the interpretation of the cherub figure as being attributed to Cupid. I also would like to share another work by Bernini which I respect and admire.
Bernini accurately depicted the pagan myth of Apollo's chase after Daphne. Once more, he has shown that he has a true knowledge of the way people move, and has an acute skill for showing us dramatic movement on such a solid surface. The manipulation of light also assists the piece. You can see the shock and terror in Daphne's face, as she almost fears her plea to the Gods will go unheard, but she suddenly sprouts sprigs from her fingertips and turns into an unmovable Laurel bush. Apollo is in mid chase, his back foot is lifts and his body weight is shifted to gracefully as if he thinks this final move is the one to win Daphne over.
In conclusion, I hope you have appreciated my take on these works of art, and perhaps you have gained knowledge about Baroque sculpture thanks to its leading man, Bernini.