Habakkuk and the Angel

work by Bernini

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June 29, 2026

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"Habakkuk and the Angel" is a sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created between 1655 and 1661 for the Chigi Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. This work is characterized by Bernini's late style, featuring elongated figures, expressive gestures, and simplified yet impactful emotional displays. The sculpture depicts the biblical prophet Habakkuk being transported by an angel, showcasing Bernini's ability to imbue stone with a sense of movement and emotion. It is a prime example of Baroque religious sculpture, demonstrating Bernini's mastery in integrating sculpture with its architectural setting to create a powerful sensory experience.12

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Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Later years of Gian Lorenzo Bernini
…in the Lions’ Den and Habakkuk and the Angel (1655–61). These works show the beginnings of his late style: elongation of the body, expressive gesture, and simplified yet emphatic emotional expression. The same characteristics are already found in the figures supporting the Throne of St. Peter and culminate in the…
Read More
…in the Lions’ Den and Habakkuk and the Angel (1655–61). These works show the beginnings of his late style: elongation of the body, expressive gesture, and simplified yet emphatic emotional expression. The same characteristics are already found in the figures supporting the Throne of St. Peter and culminate in the…
Read More