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Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry That Transformed Rome

Jeffrey Hayes

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Published in The Genius In The Design: Bernini Borromini And The Rivalry That Transformed Rome

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The rivalry between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini was one of the most intense and creative periods in the history of art. Their work transformed the face of Rome, and their influence can still be seen today.

Bernini was born in Naples in 1598. He was a child prodigy, and by the age of 17 he was already working on major commissions for the Vatican. Bernini was a master of both sculpture and architecture, and his work is characterized by its grandeur, drama, and emotional intensity.

The Genius in the Design: Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry That Transformed Rome

by Kurt Meissner

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Borromini was born in Lombardy in 1599. He was also a child prodigy, and by the age of 20 he was working on major commissions for the Vatican. Borromini was a master of architecture, and his work is characterized by its complexity, originality, and use of illusion.

The rivalry between Bernini and Borromini began in the early 1620s, when they were both working on commissions for the Vatican. Bernini was the more successful of the two, and he quickly became the favorite of Pope Urban VIII. Borromini, on the other hand, was often overshadowed by Bernini, and he was often forced to take on less prestigious commissions.

Despite their rivalry, Bernini and Borromini had a great deal of respect for each other's work. Bernini once said of Borromini, "He is a great architect, and I am his greatest admirer." Borromini, in turn, said of Bernini, "He is a genius, and I am his greatest rival."

The rivalry between Bernini and Borromini came to a head in the 1660s, when they were both working on commissions for the Piazza Navona. Bernini's design for the fountain was more grandiose and dramatic, while Borromini's design was more complex and original. The two designs were so different that they could not be reconciled, and the Piazza Navona remains divided today, with Bernini's fountain on one side and Borromini's church on the other.

The rivalry between Bernini and Borromini ended with Borromini's death in 1667. Bernini continued to work until his death in 1680, and he is considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time. Borromini, on the other hand, is often overlooked, but his work is just as important and influential as Bernini's.

The Legacy of Bernini and Borromini

The work of Bernini and Borromini transformed the face of Rome. Their buildings and sculptures are some of the most iconic in the world, and they have inspired countless artists over the centuries.

Bernini's work is characterized by its grandeur, drama, and emotional intensity. His most famous works include the Trevi Fountain, the Baldacchino in St. Peter's Basilica, and the Ecstasy of St. Teresa.

Borromini's work is characterized by its complexity, originality, and use of illusion. His most famous works include the Church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, the Palazzo Spada, and the Galleria Borromini.

The rivalry between Bernini and Borromini was one of the most intense and creative periods in the history of art. Their work transformed the face of Rome, and their influence can still be seen today.