Located in the Transept of Saint Peter’s Basilica, there are
four niches each of which contain a statue. Out of these four statues Bernini was
only responsible for one, St. Longinus, the others were the work of his
students. These colossal statues are almost 10m high, and seem as if they are
about to come out of the niche itself. St. Longinus was a Roman soldier who was
skeptical of Christ. He was responsible for piercing the side of Jesus with a spear
during his crucifixion. The blood from Christ cured Longinus’ blindness, and it
was then that he realized that Christ truly is the son of God.
Bernini had redesigned the sculpture of St. Longinus 22
times with clay models before the design was finally chosen. The sculpture
depicts St. Longinus after his realization, his arm thrust out holding a the spear
he had pierced Christ with. In order for him to achieve such a dramatic gesture
he had to add pieces of marble which are hidden by the Saint’s robe. His right
leg is standing on the edge of the pedestal and his cloak has fallen back; as
the viewer you feel as if you are right in the action. You can see the strain
in his muscles as he turns to look toward the alter. This signifies his
realization and belief in Christ as well as draws the viewers’ attention toward
the alter.
Bernini was mindful of how the statue would be seen
throughout the basilica. He wanted it to be seen. In order to accomplish this
he extended the Saints’ arm and foot to peek out of the niche. The statue was
also left unpolished in order to catch the light.
Sources.
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