Great Art Explained: Bernini's Apollo and Daphne

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At the age of 8, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the child prodigy, was presented to the Pope - who prophetically announced that the child would be the Michelangelo of his age.
Bernini would not only raise the sculpted human figure to unseen levels of realism, but he would dominate the 17th century like no other, as a painter, an architect, as a playwright and of course as a sculptor, and come to be seen as the embodiment of the age of the baroque.
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I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Adriana Nemet, Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Alyssa Phillips, Anja Zeutschel, Brooks Kossover, Bria Nicole Art, David Asabreu, Christa Sawyer, Eric Mann, Erique K, Griffin Evans, Hugo Moita, Jemma Theivendran, John Baer, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Kibibi Shaw, Louise Tait, Monte St Johns, New Curiosity, Paul Ark, Paul Waterman, Pavel Juszczyk, Sean Welgemoed, Stefan Paisson, Stephen Beresford, Tanya Moore, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, and Will Dew's-Power.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at [e-mail]
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdomo (Gracias!)
CREDITS
Rome Footage including Apollo and Daphne by Joshua James Appleby (Thank you), whose excellent photography you can find here - / joshuaappleby
Additional footage (Persephone) - Babi Targino
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Sound Mix by Robert Lewis (Thank you!)
VIDEOS
Villa Borghese footage by Eric Clarke whose excellent channel you can find here - • Villa Borgehese Arial ...
The Excellent Drone footage can be found here (please subscribe, it's a great channel) - • Rome, Italy by Drone F...
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
MUSIC
G. F. Händel - Passacaglia in g-minor
BOOKS
Bernini: His Life and His Rome (Excellent!) by Franco Mormando
Bernini and His World: Sculpture and Sculptors in Early Modern Rome by Livio Pestilli
Bernini by Charles Scribner III
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short) - it really helps promote this channel - and here is my new series - Great Books Explained - www.youtube.com/@greatbooksexplained371 - thanks for your amazing support, James!

[@JJONNYREPP]

Great Art Explained: Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. 1.12.23. Why the hell am I hungry? It must mean I'm an aesthete.....

[@swschilke]

Seeing this makes me hope for an episode on JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON A BTS about how you make your videos would be interesting as well

[@naimadeen141]

I was transported to this era and it was as if I could see this genius at wprk. Thankyou for the expetiemce.

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@naimadeen141 Comments on ‘Great Art Explained: Bernini's Apollo and Daphne’ 13.12.23 0934am never having made any bold claims i couldn't rightly say if i ever been "transported" to various historical eras where great art or great events are concerned... shame, really. you'd think bored and banal folk such as myself would appreciate a bit of transporting to the past.. or even to the future. no matter crazy at it seems i am planted firmly int he present with not much to do cept feel randy and hungry and disassociated from society. like all appreciators of the past or of art or akin to artistes, themselves, the alienated man can only feel kinship with such great men when in such a state...

[@efthymiossofos6896]

Bernini's father was not from Florence but Napoli (where he worked.) The biographer (and son) of Bernini spread the Florence rumour as dictated by GL Bernini so as to out him in the same group as the Florence Rennaiscance artists.

[@Hey___you]

I confess every time I see a marble statue I think of Philomena Cunk asking how the artist gets the people out of the marble 😅

[@chevgr]

She’s so unfunny

[@Hey___you]

@@chevgr I think she’s hilarious.

[@SarastistheSerpent]

Lmfaoo 😂

[@kathyjohnson2043]

The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material. Michelangelo

[@TheInsideVideo]

​@@chevgryou prefer clowns?

[@mettenna2635]

"...but Bernini, being Bernini" was a phrase I often heard from my Art History professors when I was in college during the early eighties. As a group, they dismissed Bernini as an outlier, an exaggeration of the art of stone sculpture. Thank you so much for fleshing out the work of Bernini and appreciating his contributions.

[@lilybleue8888]

"He didn't just create reality. He made it SO much better." Thank you, James. I loved everything about this video.

[@raquelhoffmann4]

I'm so glad to see you analysing Bernini's work. My favourite sculptor! I'll be forever impressed of Hades' hand grabbing Persephone's thigh. It's succulent, I can't explain. It really seems alive.

[@gianlorenzo_bernini]

Porsepina's flesh yields to Pluto's hands in my sculpture 'The Abduction of Proserpina'. I made marble come to life by meticulously studying how flesh behaves. I exceeded even the ancients. For example, even the 1st century masterpiece 'Laocoön', which I greatly admired, did not take into account the suppleness of flesh.

[@Ira_Favorite]

I’m really impressed by your unique selection of biographical and historical facts. The way you weave together the life stories of the artists with the deeper meanings behind their greatest works makes each video not just informative, but also deeply engaging. Thank you for sharing such incredible art insights, James! ⭐️

[@GreatArtExplained]

Such a nice comment - thank you 🙏

[@LoyalFriend62]

I am a 62-year-old man, and a self-certified artist. My question to you, sir: "Where were you 56 years ago?! That's when I should have been exposed to programs like this!" -- Kidding, of course. I thank you for myself, and on behalf of small children who are able to watch this.

[@heatherrobertson6110]

I know that tastes change over time, but the idea that Bernini and Caravaggio could ever have been out of fashion is just mind-boggling! Thanks, James - another wonderful video.

[@erm12341]

Incredible , i visited rome once and never knew Bernini was responsible for much of the city design

[@sarahsimon6]

The rape of Persephone has always stood out to me- the slight detail of pressure on her thigh as hades gripped her leg- just STUNNING. Incredible video!

[@fabiollaloureiro]

Wonderful!!!!!! Bring tears to my eyes see Bernini's marvelous work depicted with your voice James, Bernini is Rome!!! Bravissimo!!! 😍😍

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow, thank you!🙏

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

It's insane how life-like statues can be. Great video, thank you James!

[@GreatArtExplained]

So true! Thanks 🙏

[@MariaVosa]

As amazing as Bernini's sculptures of mythological and biblical subjects are, the bust of Cardinal Borghese takes the prize. It's like a real person caught in 3D technology today. But yes, the laurel leaves on the Apollo-Daphne scultputre are breathtaking!

[@yulib2883]

I totally agree!

[@gianlorenzo_bernini]

I sculpted the bust of Cardinal Scipione Borghese with his mouth open, capturing the moment in which he was about to speak. At the time that I was sketching his portrait, Borghese was one year away from death, dealing with gout, dropsy, and gall stones. His weight and lifestyle was taking their toll on his body, and his mouth often hung open as he had trouble breathing.

[@LauraJaneKeo]

The button not correctly closed is perfect, showing off how he could sculpt these important (scarily powerful) people as friends and not because he had to.

[@soniak2865]

Having seen these statues IRL this summer, the statues are mesmerizing...brought me to tears....absolutely stunning.

[@nullings.]

It doesn't matter wether I already know the art discussed or wether it meets my taste, your videos always make me appreciate something (new) about it. You're an incredible researcher, writer, and presenter!

[@ashmein6021]

Everytime you publish a great art explained, I find myself saying "oh that's my favorite artist" EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I've always been amazed by Apollo and Daphne and hope I could witness the statues. It's funny too that I havent been very curious about the genius behind them and turns out he's narcisstic. And it's hard to fault him when he should be more than proud of his works

[@usernamepassword6909]

A visit to the Villa Borghese is totally worthwhile! The wonderfully shot videos here do a great job of showing the textures in the marble, but seeing them in person is outstanding. Also, it is surprising how close you can approach Bernini’s works at the museum.

[@GreatArtExplained]

It’s my favourite museum in Rome

[@joshuaharper372]

Mine too. Seeing Apollo and Daphne (and the other sculptures there) is simply breathtaking.

[@ccdecker]

Every single essay on this channel is an absolute treat.

[@filiphedvicak]

Incredible video. Top notch footage. Highest quality of art from Bernini. I was mesmerized, thanks so much James Payne.

[@AgentPolyblank]

You know James I sometimes make jokes about your content being too documentary-like but I want you to know I appreciate the amount of work you do for the art history space on youtube. Keep going man, this content is as good as it gets, a golden standard to follow.

[@rgeorgek42]

Amazing. 30 minutes went by in a flash. 🔥

[@GreatArtExplained]

Nice comment thanks 🙏

[@kja548]

Astounding. Studied this in college and in person this sculpture is a whole other level of impressive.

[@daniela7930]

Because of your channel I started to really appreciate art. Millions of thanks💚

[@GreatArtExplained]

My pleasure 😊

[@Chan_Chal_Chit_1]

@@GreatArtExplained can u please do a vdo on the veiled rebecca ????

[@spencerheywood8480]

I cannot stress enough how delicate the flowers are in person. It was breathtaking

[@wcjerky]

In 2018, the piazza of the Vatican had a nativity scene completely made of sand. Learning that the outer columns resemble a motherly and gentle touch makes that event and work of art that much more special.

[@brandonmcleod9182]

This video is a masterpiece in its own right

[@jeff__w]

[Adapted from 22:09] "He didn't just explain great art. He made it so much better."

[@bluesisyphe]

I was born and raised in Rome, and I was lucky enough to live next to Villa Borghese, it is my childhood park!! I took art class in kindergarten at Galleria Borghese, and I remember looking at this statue at 6 years old. My grandparents had their windows facing Villa Borghese so I would often go on a stroll with them there. Now I live in Sweden but I'm visiting my family next week and bought a ticket for Galleria Borghese cause it's one of my favourite museums. Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese have my heart

[@theodorematthews7007]

Absolutely amazing I religiously watch your lectures. ❤❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@s.o.3753]

One of the many things I appreciate about this channel: you never paint these great artists as either heroes or villains. Your biographies are honest and nuanced, exposing their flaws alongside their genius.

[@giridhardhananjay6507]

Just stumbled upon this channel and it feels like I’ve hit gold! Never stop posting these amazing videos! (I absolutely wouldn’t mind hour long documentaries on great artists and philosophers’ lives) Your narration is top class and concise, exactly what the doctor ordered. Keep up the excellent work mate! Looking forward to (a lot) more.

[@ChadARoberts]

Videos like these and the art and artists they depict inspire me to do something "great" while on this earth. Every time I watch a Great Art Explained video, I get the urge to challenge myself to be more creative and passionate in the things that I do.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Go for it!

[@JackDanielThe7th]

I can’t describe how much I appreciate these lessons in art as a layman

[@mh8704]

Thanks for this very informative video. Bernini’s sculptures blow me away- but I didn’t realize how varied his talents were until I saw this

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@a-complished4406]

Thank you again for bringing to the world so much love to art. I enjoyed every second of this episode and I am getting ready to rewatch older ones. I feel smarter, inspired, and fulfilled. I have nobody to talk about art and share my love to it. It’s so frustrating.

[@GreatArtExplained]

You are so welcome! Join a Facebook art group? Or feel free to chat here - thanks 🙏

[@tomboolery]

Another excellent documentary, Bernini truly lived a life unlike any other

[@RaineHoltz]

Soooo glad you're doing a film on Bernini's work! This one is going to be gooooooood

[@GreatArtExplained]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@RaineHoltz]

@@GreatArtExplained yet another outstanding video. This one was particularly immersive, in part because looking at details of Bernini's works is breathtaking. But your research and narration are works of art in their own right. I will check out your new channel now, because that honestly looks really promising! Thank you for putting out good work on KZbin, it's really needed.

[@thaisgregorio2734]

Wow, the way he sculpts muscles in movement is just outstanding. Thank you for presenting me to this amazing artist

[@Siobhan490]

You’re a genius film maker, narrator, historian. You have made me an Art lover like I never knew I could be. Thank you for what you do

[@drouinjohnny9036]

A visit that villa…..that carving is so wonderful….it’s one of the most beautiful sculpture i ever put my eyes on……❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

It really is!

[@AxelQC]

I have always loved Baroque art. It's so over the top, so meticulous, so luxurious, and so intricately detailed. Bernini is a genius of making stone into life.

[@ramonacunningham5954]

I had heard in Art History class about the 'embrace of the church' but NEVER knew about the obelisk as sundial in St Peter's Square. So cool! It's no surprise someone as gifted and nurtured as Bernini could end up being kind of a self-centered jerk. Still, he must have been the smartest person in the room in a lot of rooms, some of which he probably designed.

[@beatsmebydre9966]

This is absolutely mesmerizing. Thank you for this! It's like old PBS shows come back to life!

[@Sketchingstories12]

Philomena Cunk's marble extraction pondering always comes to mind with marble statues. James, your video not only delved into reality creation but made it enchanting. Thanks for celebrating Bernini and his contributions, countering the past dismissals. Absolute joy

[@alexliberti9679]

I know who Bernini is but i never knew he was responsible for so much.

[@stevej9058]

Wow. You yourself are sculpting video masterpieces, James. They just keep getting better. Bravo!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow, thank you!🙏

[@grilledcheese1340]

Fantastic video! Saw this piece (and many of his others) while visiting Rome 2 years ago. His ability to make his scultpures so dynamic and life-like is incredible. Thank you for your analysis on this and incorporating his influences that I had no idea about before! Really hoping you make a video on his Persephone scultpure as well since the dog and grasp on her thigh are just insane.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for commenting 🙏

[@rhythmythicles]

This leaves me wondering...how many days/weeks/months/years/etc. would it take to really appreciate the incredible works in just one city like Rome?

[@GreatArtExplained]

I’ve been 30 or so times and lived there briefly and still haven’t seen everything! Amazing city

[@gianlorenzo_bernini]

In Rome, we have a saying "una vita non e basta" (one life is not enough). But let's say a week would allow you to see most of the best works.

[@Jimmy_Johns]

This is so amazing. Honestly I never had put attention in the differences between Rennaisance and Baroque sculptures. I can appreciate both in their own way now. ❤

[@AC-hu5tg]

This is probably my favorite GAE video yet! And thanks for not focusing too much on the Persephone piece. It was interesting to look at Apollo and Daphne from the back...So interesting to see how selective polishing of the marble can bring it to life and create contrast. Reminds me a little bit of modern day highlighting in makeup 😂

[@MMJJBB]

Amazing, if only this was available when I was in school I would have developed a greater appreciation for art 🇦🇺

[@GreatArtExplained]

Many thanks!

[@Onefourtyfour]

I anticipate your videos like the desert does rain.

[@victorrosenberg4498]

Truly amazing art and so is the video! Special thanks for the subtitles

[@GreatArtExplained]

My pleasure 😊

[@andrewgregory8170]

Really liked the section about the left vs right perspective. Can’t believe I didn’t see this in Rome!

[@susane9514]

My son and I could only stare at this beautiful work of art and other Bernini pieces. There is so much movement in Bernini’s sculptures. How the artist was able to form an inanimate, cold piece of stone into something so very life-like is an incredible talent. I am very thankful to have seen some of Bernini’s masterpieces. Thank you for this video.

[@samanthaeduardamoreira1630]

You, sir, are an exceptional story teller..your words set the statues into motion. Thank you.

[@SteppingStonevlogs]

This was so cool! Thanks for teaching me something new. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to carve those beautiful statues out of stone. Marvellous!!

[@chemokiki]

Beautiful, informative and well documented. Having lived in Rome for years I felt quite familiar with these works, however James has added to my knowledge immensely. Thank you!

[@LaraKhurana]

Hey totally love the channel Also please keep posting regularly in the other channel about books as well ! Love your precise explanations Thank you ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you! Will do!

[@LaraKhurana]

@@GreatArtExplained 🥰🙏 Pressed the bell icon ! Would be waiting

[@PatrickNutter]

You have such a gift for these videos. Thank you so much.

[@CDQTulbagh]

This is such a wonderful series and I have learnt to much about subjects that I thought I already knew, but didnt. Keep it up.

[@dharmakaurkhalsa3923]

Thank you James. Your videos are a masterpiece of it's own kind! ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow, thank you!🙏

[@FlowerofDissolution]

This video have defo made me a fan of this channel. So informative and calming as you explain what to look for and see in these amazing pieces of art, much like the best of art historian teachers there is.

[@jadetauskela5663]

James, please do a book! I would love to give your insights to friends. You could also include QR codes to your videos! Just incredible.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Working on it now - out next autumn

[@jadetauskela5663]

@@GreatArtExplainedcan’t wait

[@brandonmcleod9182]

Bravo! You're getting even better at making these. Great job James!!!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like them!

[@lillithdv8]

Often you get moved by art. But seing these statues made me weep. I felt overwhelmed by the beauty and life like appearance of the statues, the delicacy of the leaves, the dynamic nature of their expression, the details! Fingers sinking in plump flesh you almost see the bruise forming. It’s astonishing

[@juanpabloandraderojas9407]

What a wonderful video and explanation. This video is a work of art itself. You made the internet so much better.

[@locmig]

I teach art for a franchise international school. I show some of these in my lessons with questions. It’s good work

[@doomstadt2371]

I saw this and many other Berninis in my life, and they are stunning. It almost makes you angry how incredibly talented he was.

[@freezo244]

Always loved this sculpture when I saw it daily as a tour guide at Hearst Castle. Hearst’s copy of it is in the corner of the small foyer just inside the front door of Casa Grande, but I think it should be out in the open to enjoy more fully.

[@Yatukih_001]

In the future, this sculpture will be considered as being one of the scariest ever made. The reason for why is because of Apollo´s connection to vampirism. Daphene is terrified, because she is uncertain if Apollo will deprive her of her mortality, her right to die. It is terrifyingly beautiful, and indeed one of the most beautiful sculptures ever made. Think of him about to transform - eyes red and yellow, skin pale grey, ears kept moderately human like. In a desperate attempt to ease her fears, he turns her into a tree, instead of an immortal being. This is because of the legend of Ambrogio. Fascinated by Daphene, Apollo makes the logical step to turn her into a tree instead of letting her succumb to the same fate as Ambrogio. Thanks for your video. Best wishes to you from Reykjavik, Iceland.

[@gallerina999]

Age of 8! I wonder what works the pope saw to make him proclaim his future genius. And I never knew about his plays. Thx, James. ❤

[@omarzidan53]

The comparison between the two David statues is amazing really.

[@barbarasterner7863]

I enjoy the Brittish speaker`s voice, and his distinct and articulate descriptions.

[@phatipoo]

It was such an enjoyable video that the 30mins passed by so quickly, I was captivated the entire time. I always love how you have a focus on the “highlight” of the artist’s career and build up to it with their experiences leading up to it. All of your videos are always so well structured and they’re not only educational but also emotional as well. Bernini is one of my favourite artists and this is the best video essay I’ve watched on him. Thank you for another great video!

[@AudraLambert]

I love your channel. I know it’s a lot of work, but you are very gifted in this area. Thanks for sharing your perspective and knowledge.

[@MichaelSavidgeStoryteller]

My goodness, what a fascinating subject! And here I thought chiaroscuro could only be brought to life through two-dimensional paintings and pictures! Using the different Davids to compare the Renaissance and Baroque periods (and how dynamic and dramatic the latter was from the former) was fantastic; it gave me a deeper understanding of both art periods in a way I hadn't thought of before. This video also opened my eyes to the genius Bernini and his various creative outlets (he was almost like a Renaissance man in a Baroque world!) The B-Roll for this video is one of the best in any of your videos (I especially love seeing the "Apollo and Daphne" being made!) It is so amazing to see you grow as a creator on KZbin. I cannot wait to see you grow further, as Bernini did with his sculptures!

[@rickb3078]

Outstanding video! Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@klaus9688]

This video is another of your content masterpieces. I learned so much and at the same time had so much enjoyment. The ideal combination.

[@project2226]

These video has it's own place beside the art itself ❤

[@c.f.sedgwick1885]

Excellent video on one of the most important artists of all time.

[@alnn595]

This was maybe the best episode. My italian boyfriend was in awe, he almost cried

[@luo6963]

It helps me to care about art when I learn about it. Thank you.

[@padraigquinlan4170]

This was absolutely enthralling. Thank you so much, you have sparked a huge interest in art in me (engineer, age 56) that I never knew was there. I live in Dublin and am now buzzing for the Andy Warhol exhibition in the Hugh Lane.

[@GreatArtExplained]

The Hugh Lane is one of my favourite galleries - the Bacon studio is spectacular!

[@padraigquinlan4170]

Great, I'll head to that as well!@@GreatArtExplained

[@kevinmcqueenie7420]

I had no idea about Bernini before this video, but now I am in awe of his skill as a sculptor. Thank you for another excellent video. People like you are helping me to understand the beauty of art.

[@christopherpardell4418]

As a sculptor, whenever I see a work by Bernini I think to myself, Thank GOD for apprentices. The two worst jobs in stone carving are pointing it up rough from the block, and getting it polished smooth.

[@paulius9351]

Thank you. This channel has helped me to become more educated in art and art history. :)

[@GreatArtExplained]

Happy to hear that!

[@mastersgaze]

Very high quality video! Congratulations

[@feetiefeetie]

I was not familiar with his work before this and WOW this was an incredible video. Fantastic!!

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

I stumbled on this channel and I love history. This is like a mini biography of the art and artist. Keep up the good work on both channels!

[@letiziaros5407]

i am mesmerised with bernini’s art. a true master

[@4shaha]

Thank you so much.this 30 minutes was pure joy

[@lesliealperin8241]

Thank you, James, for once again helping open our eyes wider .. and touching our hearts as well.

[@alexanderexarchos9210]

Going to Rome next month and watching this has given me a broader view of Bernini the times - can't wait to visit the Villa Borghese...

[@sylvainst-pierre8725]

Absolute great explanation. Thanks so much.

[@GreatArtExplained]

You're very welcome!

[@nicoletacociuba]

Thank you for your extraordinary work. I am fascinated by each and every video you make. Real joy. Keep up the good work .

[@marinavianna8754]

This is easily one of the best channels on KZbin, thank you so much, James!

[@GreatArtExplained]

You're very welcome!

[@rabidrabbitshuggers]

Thank you for making an excellent video and for inadvertently helping me find ‘Farinelli’. I had seen a scene from that movie decades ago but had been looking for it ever since. Thank you!!! ❤

[@Pattyjohnson476]

Love your channel. I always learn something ! Thank you so much.

[@GreatArtExplained]

You are so welcome! 🙏

[@marktodd7397]

Absolutely blown away by both the mastepieces of Bernini and your channels ability to explain art to the masses thanks James