Visible Spirit

Bernini at St. Peter’s may be a unique case in history: a single artist in change of a grandiose monument in a continuous state of creativity under constantly changing patrons and a variety of projects, for nearly six decades. This book argues that a continuous thread of thought may be discerned underlying and connecting the vicissitudes of this spectacular display. From first to last, Bernini conceived of St. Peter’s as a pilgrimage church, a kind of pilgrimage of human life, his own and of the believers who visited the basilica to worship and give testimony.The book is in large format and richly illustrated with 272 colour illustrations. It represents a fitting tribute to the artist and his monument, St. Peter's Basilica.