When I was first exposed to Bernini’s work in my high school Art History class, I immediately understood why this guy is considered one of the best sculptors. Ever.
Have you seen his Apollo and Daphne? The variety of texture that he is able to create with just marble is amazing.
And his Rape of Persephone—it isn’t stone. No, they are actual people with actual flesh. You just have to see it to believe it. Such works of art leave you in complete awe of Bernini’s sculptural prowess. (Note that he was only 23 when he sculpted the Persephone. 23!).
I wish I could keep gushing about Bernini’s sculptures, but then I read Ovid's Metamorphoses for Lit Hum, and notably, that story about Apollo and Daphne. Which reminded me that the story is basically Apollo’s attempt to rape Daphne.
So one of my favorite sculptures ever is about rape. Great.
