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

5 ай бұрын

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

5 ай бұрын

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

5 ай бұрын

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

@JJONNYREPP

5 ай бұрын

@@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

3 ай бұрын

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.

"...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.

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

5 ай бұрын

She’s so unfunny

@Hey___you

5 ай бұрын

@@chevgr I think she’s hilarious.

@SarastistheSerpent

5 ай бұрын

Lmfaoo 😂

@kathyjohnson2043

5 ай бұрын

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

5 ай бұрын

​@@chevgryou prefer clowns?

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

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

5 ай бұрын

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.

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

5 ай бұрын

Such a nice comment - thank you 🙏

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.

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.

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!🙏

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

So true! Thanks 🙏

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

5 ай бұрын

I totally agree!

@gianlorenzo_bernini

5 ай бұрын

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

Ай бұрын

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

5 ай бұрын

It’s my favourite museum in Rome

@joshuaharper372

5 ай бұрын

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

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!

Every single essay on this channel is an absolute treat.

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

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

My pleasure 😊

@Chan_Chal_Chit_1

5 ай бұрын

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

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

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.

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

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.

This video is a masterpiece in its own right

Absolutely amazing I religiously watch your lectures. ❤❤

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏

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

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

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

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

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

5 ай бұрын

Go for it!

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

5 ай бұрын

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

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

@RaineHoltz

5 ай бұрын

@@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 KZread, it's really needed.

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

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

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

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.

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

It really is!

Amazing. 30 minutes went by in a flash. 🔥

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Nice comment thanks 🙏

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

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. ❤

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.

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

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 😂

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.

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

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting 🙏

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!🙏

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

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Many thanks!

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.

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.

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

My pleasure 😊

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

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.

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

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

5 ай бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

@LaraKhurana

5 ай бұрын

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

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

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.

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!🙏

I anticipate your videos like the desert does rain.

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!

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!!

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

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

5 ай бұрын

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

@gianlorenzo_bernini

5 ай бұрын

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.

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

5 ай бұрын

Working on it now - out next autumn

@jadetauskela5663

5 ай бұрын

@@GreatArtExplainedcan’t wait

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!

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

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 KZread. I cannot wait to see you grow further, as Bernini did with his sculptures!

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.

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Happy to hear that!

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.

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

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

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

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

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

Absolute great explanation. Thanks so much.

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

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

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

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

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

5 ай бұрын

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

@padraigquinlan4170

5 ай бұрын

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

Thank you for going into such detail and explaining so well - I always look forward into your videos :)

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

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

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

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

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

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! ❤

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

Thank you so much.this 30 minutes was pure joy

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

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

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! 🙏

Thank you for this gift.

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

You're very welcome

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

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.

Such an unbelievably beautiful piece!

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. ❤

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

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

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

Outstanding video! Thank you!

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

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.

you are one of my favorite channels! i love learning about artists and their art through your brilliant explanations!