PIedmont Center for the ARts
Speaker Series:
Michael Stehr
"Bernini, Borromini, and
the Rivalry that Shaped Baroque Rome"
Friday, Jan. 20
Doors Open at 5:00pm; Talk at 5:30pm
"Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry that Shaped Baroque Rome"
Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini, two of the founders
of the Italian Baroque Style, are both creative giants whose
architectural work greatly impacted the development of Rome during
the 17th century.
But this is where their similarities end.
The two men could not have been more different in their temperament
and aesthetic, a difference that seemed to be amplified as they
continued to compete for the same commissions.
Despite their differences, each artist yielded designs that would become
hallmark elements of the Italian Baroque style. Join us for an
illustrated lecture that will have us traveling to beautiful Rome
to explore these two fascinating men and their contentious
relationship in a way that will bring to life some of Western
art's greatest architectural achievements.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with wine available for purchase.
Talk begins at 5:30.
There will be ample time for audience members to ask questions.
Admission is free, although a small donation to the Center for the Arts would be appreciated. Plenty of free street parking available.
About the Speaker:
Michael Stehr received his degree in Art History from Stanford University with a focus on Michelangelo and interior church decoration during the age of the Baroque. Michael has been giving art history lectures throughout the Bay Area, addressing various social clubs and libraries including the Pacific Union Club, the Leonardo da Vinci Society, The Commonwealth Club, and probably his favorite client to date: the Stanford Women’s Basketball Program.
Most recently, Michael has lectured internationally, presenting talks on the art of Caravaggio and Michelangleo while in Rome. His passion for art history has Michael leading small group tours exploring the artistic treasures of Rome and Paris. He has led these tours since 2000.
Professionally, Michael runs a small decorative arts business executing custom hand-painted finishes. His specialties include murals, colored plasters, woodgraining and other hand painted finishes. He has worked throughout California as well as earning several international commissions in Canada, Mexico and France. His company, Sistine Chapel Art & Art History has been in operation since 1992.
Michael also has an annual exhibit of his oil paintings at the Piedmont Center for the Arts. His work includes paintings depicting views of France, Italy, and California. He recently completed his first international exhibition, showing 16 paintings in Rome that demonstrated his love for the Eternal City. He also teaches a small group of interested students in his studio.
Michael lives in the Oakland Hills with his wife Maryanne, daughter Emily and son Jack.