A Roman Genius: The Life and Legacy of Gian Lorenzo Bernini Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a name synonymous with the Baroque era, was more than just a sculptor; he was an architect, painter, stage designer, and a true *uomo universale* – a Renaissance ideal embodied in 17th-century Rome. Born in Naples in 1598, his journey to becoming one of history’s most celebrated artists began within the workshop of his father, Pietro Bernini, a respected sculptor himself. This early immersion in the craft, combined with an innate talent and a deep appreciation for classical antiquity, laid the foundation for a…