In this episode, I speak with Jen Liu, PhD student at the University of Toronto, about the hidden stories behind baroque bronze sculpture. Focusing on Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Cathedra Petri in St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as other contemporaneous projects in the Vatican, we discuss how large foundry teams—often erased from art historical narratives—were essential to bringing these works into being. Jen’s work as a research assistant on the technical study of Bernini’s bronze multiples has inspired her research and methodology. This conversation challenges the myth of the solitary artistic genius and invites you to rethink authorship, making, and the many invisible hands behind your favourite works.

Check out the Bernini's Bronzes projects: https://berninisbronzes.com/

Connect with ⁠⁠Liz⁠⁠ at Matter of Art on the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://matterofart.crd.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode art: Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Italian, 1598–1680), Chair of Saint Peter, 1657–66, gilt bronze, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.