Great Art Explained: Bernini's Apollo and Daphne

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@gentlehorst]

@@gianlorenzo_bernini True, Gian but I am still jealous of all woman you had permission to check on her consistency of the ripe ... ahhh right amount of flesh, skin, bone and even fat (that layer below her skin!), her reaction to your touch while (just for science and to produce this art) through senses, pauses and goosebumps testing the non-marble waters. Of(f) course, all this, my writing, is meant just to emotionally emphasize the importance of feelings. Well done, Gian Lorenzo. We feel without peel. We glance while you can prance. 😉

[@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.

[@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 🙏

[@soniak2865]

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

[@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!🙏

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@thaisgregorio2734]

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

[@filiphedvicak]

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

[@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.

[@ClaudeSpeed6]

This man's parents were probably your age 56 years ago! 😅

[@cecethompson914]

I don’t think kids are watching this channel….they’re scrolling instagram reels!

[@el-anyah]

@@cecethompson914I’m a kid or teenager and i watch these videos almost all the time

[@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.

[@kja548]

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

[@erm12341]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@JackDanielThe7th]

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

[@brandonmcleod9182]

This video is a masterpiece in its own right

[@spencerh8480]

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

[@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 🙏

[@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!

[@jeff__w]

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

[@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

[@daniela7930]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

My pleasure 😊

[@Virgin_Buoy_69]

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

[@tomboolery]

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

[@omarzidan53]

The comparison between the two David statues is amazing really.

[@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!

[@ccdecker]

Every single essay on this channel is an absolute treat.

[@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.

[@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.

[@theodorematthews7007]

Absolutely amazing I religiously watch your lectures. ❤❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@aliafridi666]

That comparison between Renaissance and Baroque Davids was excellent!

[@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. ❤

[@marioko123]

It's true that we can't directly compare artists, each with their unique style, but I have to say-Bernini is truly extraordinary. He's one of my favorite artists. Yes, Michelangelo was a master, and he certainly influenced Bernini in many ways, but I believe Bernini not only built upon Michelangelo's work, he exceeded it. Seeing Bernini's sculptures in person, especially at the Galleria Borghese, is a completely different experience. Photos simply don't capture the essence of his art. Thank you for this video, fantastic production!

[@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.

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

I have adored Bernini's work for years, a true master at his craft.

[@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!

[@MMJJBB]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

Many thanks!

[@rgeorgek42]

Amazing. 30 minutes went by in a flash. 🔥

[@GreatArtExplained]

Nice comment thanks 🙏

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@MrJofArnold]

I'm glad I watched this video prior to seeing it in person. It's truly extraordinary. I spent about an hour with the sculpture and a couple of hours in the Villa Borghese in total, mostly looking at Bernini's works. His David is very much worth a look too and is definitely underrated.

[@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.

[@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.

[@marktodd7397]

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

[@lesliealperin8241]

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

[@FionaCollins13]

From the pandemic onwards the zoom art group has enjoyed being inspired by watching Great Art explained then putting a lesson into practice. Thank you so much.

[@andrewgregory8170]

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

[@PatrickNutter]

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

[@thedolhaze]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

You're very welcome!

[@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.

[@locmig]

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

[@beatsmebydre9966]

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

[@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 🙏

[@chloex9]

These videos are such a public service. Beautifully edited, narrated, scripted Thank you!!

[@MikeB-e5u]

This has to be one of the most interesting and informative channels on KZbin! Great work as always.

[@victorrosenberg4498]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

My pleasure 😊

[@sadiahaq7724]

Just saw this sculpture and most of the art in this video 10 days ago on my last trip to Rome. Your explanation, noticing all the minute details and sharing the knowledge of historical facts is priceless! I feel so nostalgic, in a good way. Thank you for all that you do! ❤

[@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.

[@polyannaloureiro2854]

Bernini is so wonderful, I was in front of all these incredible sculptures just over two months ago. Your video completed the experience! Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stellaxu7022]

I have tried to find a channel which could introduce my favorite masterpieces in such concise English for a long time. Thanks for your explanation! Always look forward to paying a visit to the art gallaries one day.

[@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!

[@KcMcStix]

i just wanted to say thank you for bringing art into our lives. these videos help my wife and I see and understnad better, things we will amost definitely never see in our lives.

[@brandonmcleod9182]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like them!

[@samanthaeduardamoreira1630]

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

[@Alexis_-_]

Very powerful introduction. Your work gets better and better! Seeing it as chiaroscuro in sculpture is a revelation for me. The textures are incredible. The motion is amazing. You always explain to me why I love what I love. I never knew how much impact he had on the city design but now it makes perfect sense as to why Rome is such a beautiful place. The hand grasping the thigh of Persephone always gets me-how did he make flesh out of marble.

[@danilincks5809]

James, your videos fill a hole in my heart I didn’t know existed. Thank you!

[@michaelapel2246]

You made me travelling to Rome just to see the art works myself. One of the best things in my life. Thank you so much for your work.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I'm so glad!

[@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!

[@dharmakaurkhalsa3923]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow, 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!!

[@nathanrockman4640]

I just took a class on Baroque art history, thanks for helping me study for my final next week! Seriously though, great video touches on key concepts and really delves into Bernini's brilliance.

[@barbarasterner7863]

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

[@feetiefeetie]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@paulius9351]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

Happy to hear that!

[@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

[@mariaabatino9061]

The borghese is really heaven on earth. I've been there a few times and got goosebumps every time...

[@tomaszlis-arttravel2890]

Wonderful. Thank you that. So moving to see these marvels sculpted in this most difficult medium. Makes me want to fly to Rome again and look at them all. Bernini was a giant.

[@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.

[@Sorianowashere]

this has been the best 30 min of my life, shout out from PR🇵🇷

[@GreatArtExplained]

Gracias 🙏

[@anapreda1165]

Bernini's work is breathtaking⚜️ I love this channel !

[@c.f.sedgwick1885]

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

[@marcoscherrutti1451]

I love your takes on sculptures, another great video, thanks James!

[@tatianafrangopoulou421]

James, I can't thank you enough for these wonderful video-lessons. So well-balanced words and images.

[@RakeshGupta-kd1bd]

Your narrative was amazing, what an insight into the great artist and his creativity.❤

[@danag812]

Wonderful video!! The Bernini sculptures are truly something to behold.

[@yassminabdulmalik245]

Amazing video as always! I love how you give as much attention to the artist to give us context behind the work! I’m interesting in painting a depiction of this story where Daphne is happy to escape Apollo’s desires. Her plead really sticks with me as a survivor. It reminds me of a similar myth where Pan chases a woman and she turns into a tree, but then he turns her into a pan pipe. Even when transformed, people will still feel entitled to ppl because of their own desires. It’s sad that one can never escape it.