1. Glorifying the Papacy and the Catholic Church: The fountain was commissioned by Pope Innocent X, and its design directly reflects the grandeur and power of the papacy. The four rivers, representing the four corners of the world, are depicted bowing down towards the obelisk, symbolizing the dominance of the Catholic Church.
2. Emphasis on Drama and Movement: Baroque art is known for its dramatic, theatrical, and dynamic nature. The fountain exemplifies this through its swirling, cascading water, the dramatic poses of the river gods, and the overall sense of movement and energy. This theatricality aimed to evoke awe and inspire religious devotion.
3. Emphasis on Illusion and Perspective: The fountain's design cleverly utilizes perspective and illusion, making it seem larger than it actually is. The central obelisk appears to pierce the sky, creating a sense of grandeur and awe. This masterful use of perspective was a hallmark of Baroque architecture and art.
4. Celebrating the City of Rome: The fountain serves as a symbol of the city's power and wealth. It celebrates Rome's historical grandeur and its role as the center of the Catholic world. The four rivers represented are the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Rio de la Plata, representing the vast reach of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.
5. Humanism and the Power of Nature: While reflecting the dominance of the Church, the fountain also shows a fascination with the power of nature. The river gods embody the force and energy of the natural world, and the cascading water represents the beauty and dynamism of creation. This reflects a growing humanism in Baroque art, alongside the emphasis on religious devotion.
6. Use of Sculpture and Architecture: Bernini's fountain seamlessly blends sculpture and architecture, highlighting the interconnectedness of these art forms during the Baroque period. The figures of the river gods are intricately sculpted, while the overall structure of the fountain is a testament to the grandeur of Baroque architecture.
Overall, the Fountain of the Four Rivers is a powerful example of Baroque art, showcasing the period's focus on religious devotion, dramatic spectacle, and the glorification of the papacy and the city of Rome. It serves as a captivating reminder of the beliefs and values that shaped Italian culture during this transformative era.