BERNINI, Gian Lorenzo
(b. 1598, Napoli, d. 1680, Roma)

Bacchanal: A Faun Teased by Children

1616-17
Marble, height 132 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Only a carver of great virtuosity could realize such an inventive and complex sculpture. The long and narrow shape of the block of raw material available for this subject constrained the composition, which is best viewed from the front but also rewards observation from the back. The narrow ends of the block are less interesting because details are compressed; however, the children's faces can only appreciated from a side view.




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