There is only one place in the world where you’ll be able to see Bernini’s fingerprint: the unique signature of the artist. This is the wonderful clay masterpiece named “Charity with 4 children” preserved in a special room in the Vatican museum in Rome. Take one of our tours and visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s. Take the opportunity to see this small but amazing clay masterpiece which has a unique signature: Bernini’s fingerprint.
BERNINI – A UNIQUE SCULPTOR
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most eclectic and skilled sculptors of the 17th century, has created some of the most popular and interesting works in the history of art. People from all over the world have admired his countless masterpieces. We will take a closer look at another work by Bernini, called Charity with Four Children. This small statue is made of terracotta (clay). This is in fact, an amazing exception to his usual work. It proves, once again, Bernini’s exceptional manual ability, being able to model and work on any type of medium.
THE PECULIARITY OF THE CHARITY STATUE
This terracotta sculpture represents Charity transformed into a woman. She is surrounded by three children who are playing while another is feeding from the woman’s breast.
Charity with 4 children – Gian Lorenzo Bernini
In addition to the fact that the statue is made of clay, its small size is also very interesting. The masterpiece, which is preserved in the Vatican Museum, is only 39 centimetres high. Despite the poor material and the small size, Bernini demonstrates excellent skills in the depiction of the details. He is a master in rendering the clothing, drapery, and movements of the characters, who are all bound together as if forming a single block through their movements.
THE FINGERPRINT
Without a doubt, ‘Charity with Four Children’ is yet again an example of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptural ability. But the detail which makes this masterpiece one worth seing, is his fingerprint. In fact, on a side of the statue, you can clearly see Bernini’s fingerprint in the hardened clay. And this is truly unique! There is only one place in the world where you’ll be able to see Bernini’s fingerprint, in this statue!
Bernini’s fingerprint: the unique signature of the artist.
Take one of our tours and visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s. Take the opportunity to see this small but amazing clay masterpiece which has a unique signature: Bernini’s fingerprint.
