St. Lawrence By Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And David By...

The sculptures to be examined are St. Lawrence by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and David by Michelangelo. Starting with the obvious, both of these works are sculptures. Both of these works are also marble. Although both of the sculptures use the same material, there is a difference in the way that they use it. Bernini was able to create many different textures in order to show the difference between the flames and the skin of the saint. For Michelangelo, one can look and tell that it is a human and that he has hair per se, but he does not have the skill of texture quite like Bernini. St. Lawrence was completed in 1617, about a century after Michelangelo’s David which was completed around 1501-04. Bernini’s sculpture is about 2 feet by 3.5 feet,†¦show more content†¦Their bodies are defined and muscular. We know that Michelangelo spent time in Rome, becoming impressed with the muscular bodies of hellenistic sculptures. He was interested in their heroic scale and superh uman power and beauty, incorporating that into his own works, especially in his David. We also know that Bernini spent time in Rome as well, perhaps also being influenced by the hellenistic sculptures. Both of the sculptures are also seen in the nude, and if not almost nude. David is completely nude, while St. Lawrence has a small drape of clothing covering himself. Bernini seems to be capturing his figure in one split moment of time. St. Lawrence is perceived in an awkward position, one that he definitely would not be able to hold for a long period of time. If time were to resume, the flames would continue cooking St. Lawrence’s body and he would continue to burn. For Michelangelo’s David, he has a stable stance. If time were to resume in this instance, we would still see David standing there. He would be able to hold that pose, continuing to stare off into the distance for moments longer. Although it looks like David could move at any moment, if we look at the two side by side, David almost appears to be immobile compared to the shape and state of St. Lawrence. If we were to press pause and then play again, David could remain in place, while St. Lawrence would immediate move due to the way Bernini has portrayed him. Another