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Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry That Transformed Rome
Gianlorenzo Berlini was the child prodigy with the support of the Pope, who had a gift for flair and the theatrical. He redefined sculpture and brought his gifts to the study of architecture, designing some of Rome's most iconic spaces and places. Francesco Borromini, on the other hand, was the difficult to work with technical expert who was able to solve problems that vexed other architects. He brought an inventiveness and creativity to his craft that pushed the limits of architecture in his day.
To top it off, the two men were bitter rivals who at turns worked together, supported each other, and attempted to sabotage the others' reputation. Jake Morrissey brings the two men to life, and has written a book I will certainly be carrying with me when I finally make my trip to Rome!
The Genius in the Design
by Jake Morrissey
The Genius in the Design: Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry That Transformed Rome
Amazon Price: $10.04 (as of 12/29/2009)
Used Price: $1.79
If you love art and architecture, and even if you don't, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Jake Morrissey introduces Bernini and Boromini as if they all shared a past life together. The story he tells is so rich in detail and so fascinating in bringing the genius of these two artists to life, that I felt as though I knew them just as well. This book pulled me into the world of 16th century Italy on page one and left me wanting to book a flight to Rome to see where this riveting story unfolded. I am rarely enchanted by books of art history, but this book bears that genius. Buy this book and treat yourself to wonderful experience. Then buy Mr. Morrissey's mystery novel "A Weekend in Blenheim" and treat yourself again. --Gloria Sosnoski
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Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLove it! Great read.
buraian says:
I really enjoyed this book. Now Rome has climbed way up my list of places I'd like to visit! I'll be bringing this book with me when I go!
Posted October 21, 2008
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
Rate this book!
Mmmmm...we love Likert Scales....
More about Gianlorenzo Bernini
Sculptor. Architect. Genius.
Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini (December 7, 1598 - November 28, 1680) was Rome's pre-eminent Baroque sculptor and architect of the 17th Century. He was the son of a sculptor, and from an early age displayed prodigious talent, gaining the patronage of Pope Paul V and Cardinal Scipione Borghese.He revolutionized the art of sculpture as a young man with such masterworks as David, Apollo and Daphne, and The Rape of Proserpina. He was then granted a number of prestigious architectural posts, including that of head architect of St. Peter's Cathedral, the Palazzo Barberini, Palazzo Ludovisi, Palazzo Chigi, and Sant'Andrea al Quirinale (his personal favorite work).
Later in his career, he created some of his most memorable works, including Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Tritone, Ecstasy of St Theresa, and the Scala Regia (the entrance to the Vatican).
David, Apollo & Daphne
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana al Tritone
St. Peter's
Michelangelo designed the dome, but Bernini did the facade and the bell towers.
Piazza del San Pietro
Scala Regia
More about Francesco Borromini
Architect Extraordinaire
Francesco Borromini (September 25, 1599 - August 3, 1667) was a prominent and influential 17th century Italian architect in Rome. He was a disciple of Carlo Maderno, the head architect of St. Peter's.Borromini's first independent commission was San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, or San Carlino. This church has been called the greatest building ever designed by no less than Frank Gehry. He also worked in St. Peter's and Palazzo Barberini with Bernini, assisting to create the famed Baldacchino (attributed to Bernini).
His other major works include Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, Oratorio dei Fillipini, Collegio de Propaganda Fide, and Palazzo Spada.
San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane
Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
Oratorio dei Filippini
Palazzo Spada
Borromini makes the passage look longer by making the columns shorter in the back.
Quick Poll: Which architect's work is more amazing?
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What the Blogosphere is saying about "The Genius in the Design"
- Honors in Rome: Art History Paper
- Morrissey, Jake. The Genius in the Design; Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry that Transformed Rome. New York: Jake Morrissey, 2005. Wallace, Robert. The World of Bernini. New York: Time-Life Books, 1970. Images Cited Figure 1 ...
- Common Grounds Online: Judy Nelson's Summer Reading LIst
- Might I suggest another provacative read along those lines called The Genius in the Design by Jake Morrissey. The subtitle tells it all, "Bernini, Borromini and the Rivalry that Transformed Rome"; "rivalry" being the key word. ...
- Rome: Geometry vs. Theatricality: A Comparison of Style between ...
- A History of Architecture, Second Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. Morrissey, Jake. The Genius in the Design: Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry that Transformed Rome. New York: HarperCollins, 2005. ...
- San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane
- A great book in Borromini (and Bernini) is Jake Morrissey's Genius in the Design, which gives good insight into their rivalry and the artistic climate in Rome during the 17th century. San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane via del Quirinale 23 ...
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A Weekend at Blenheim
Jake Morrissey's mystery novel
A Weekend at Blenheim: A Novel
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 12/29/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
I just finished reading "Weekend at Blenheim" and it was a very enjoyable experience. I visited Blenheim Palace about 10 years ago and I have vivid memories of it - it is an unforgettable kind of place. I think the characters were beautifully drawn and very believable, though I wish he had described more of the estate itself, rather than just the house. Nevertheless, it was very fun read. This book is a gripping mystery and an addictive thriller at the same time. That aristocrats could have and probably did behave in the way the book describes does not surprise me.
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely?" --A customer
Optimal Training
Develop the Mindset of a Champion
This is my blog about competitive distance running. Very little to do with Italian architecture, history books, or the 17th century. But that doesn't mean it's not awesome.
You can also read my feature articles at The Runner's Tribe!
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Hey. I'm buraian. I used to be a competitive distance runner. Now, I still run, but mostly blog about running. Check out my le...
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