Arizona State University (ASU) ARS102 Art from Renaissance to Modernism Exam 2 Practice

The Baldacchino at Saint Peter's Basilica is primarily made of gilded bronze, which is significant for several reasons. First, the use of bronze reflects the grandeur and opulence of Baroque art, aligning with the overall aesthetic of the Basilica itself, designed to impress and inspire awe. The gilding accentuates its visual impact, adding a luxurious gold appearance that enhances its significance as a focal point within the church.

The construction of the Baldacchino by Gian Lorenzo Bernini also showcases the technical prowess of the time in manipulating bronze to achieve complex forms and details, including the twisting columns and intricate ornamentation. This choice of material symbolizes both the divine and the earthly; bronze was traditionally associated with sanctity and durability, ideal for a structure that is both a monumental work of art and a functional canopy over the papal altar.

While marble, wood, and granite are all noble materials used in various architectural contexts, they do not convey the same level of artistic ambition and symbolic meaning for the Baldacchino as gilded bronze does. The combination of the material’s physical properties and the rich aesthetic it provides contributes directly to the Baldacchino's purpose as an impressive religious monument, reinforcing its role in the spiritual and cultural