Which influential figure was appointed to rebuild Saint Peter's Basilica during the Baroque period?

The appointment to rebuild Saint Peter's Basilica during the Baroque period was notably given to Gianlorenzo Bernini, a key figure in Baroque architecture and art. His work transformed the basilica into a masterpiece of architecture, with a grand and dramatic design that emphasized the emotional and spiritual experience of the viewer—hallmarks of Baroque art. Bernini's contributions included the iconic Baldachin over the main altar, which serves as a focal point for the interior, and the design of the expansive St. Peter's Square, which beautifully frames the entrance to the basilica. His ability to marry sculpture and architecture was instrumental in creating a space that resonates with awe and reverence, which is essential to the Baroque vision of art as a means of enhancing religious experience.

Other figures listed, such as Albrecht Dürer, Diego Velazquez, and Johann Vermeer, while significant in their own right, were not directly involved in the reconstruction of Saint Peter's Basilica and were associated with different artistic movements or styles that do not pertain to the Baroque redesign of this important church.