The Baroque period (17th–18th century) was an era of drama, emotion, and grandeur in art. Sculptors of the time used movement, contrast, and intense expression to create works that seem alive even centuries later. Here are 9 world-famous Baroque sculptures you should know about —each a masterpiece of motion and emotion.
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Chartres Cathedral, France
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a stunning Baroque sculpture located at Chartres Cathedral in France. This intricate work depicts the Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven, surrounded by angels, showcasing the artistry and emotional depth characteristic of the Baroque period.
David – Galleria dell’Accademia
Florence, Italy
Although sculpted by Michelangelo during the Renaissance, David influenced Baroque sculpture with its dynamic energy and tension. The poised figure, ready to strike, embodies human strength and divine purpose.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers
St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Another Bernini masterpiece, this monumental fountain represents the world’s great rivers — the Nile, Danube, Ganges, and Rio de la Plata — personified as powerful river gods. The swirling composition symbolises the vitality of nature and God’s creation.
Apollo and Daphne
Galleria Borghese, Rome, Italy
Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne tells the myth of Daphne’s transformation into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. The transition is frozen in marble — fingers sprouting
The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome, Italy
One of the most famous Baroque sculptures, this piece by Bernini depicts Saint Teresa’s mystical vision of divine love. With theatrical lighting and expressive movement, it invites viewers to witness a sacred spiritual experience.
Saint Longinus
Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this striking sculpture portrays Saint Longinus, the soldier who pierced Christ’s side during the Crucifixion. The dynamic pose and flowing drapery express Longinus’s moment of conversion and faith, embodying the emotional intensity of Baroque art.
The Rape of Proserpina
Galleria Borghese, Rome, Italy
Another masterpiece by Bernini, this dramatic sculpture captures the mythological abduction of Proserpina by Pluto. The realism in the textures—such as Pluto’s hands pressing into Proserpina’s soft flesh—along with the dynamic movement, makes this work an icon of Baroque storytelling.
The Tomb of Pope Urban VIII
Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Designed by Bernini, this grandiose tomb combines sculpture, architecture, and symbolism. The bronze and marble figures, including a skeletal figure of Death writing the Pope’s name, reflect the Baroque fascination with mortality and the afterlife.
The Vision of Saint Bruno
Certosa di San Martino, Naples, Italy
Created by Francesco Solimena, this sculpture portrays Saint Bruno in a moment of divine vision. The intricate detailing, dramatic pose, and expressive face exemplify the spiritual fervour of Baroque art.
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