How does this artwork elucidate its Commission?
In 1627 Bernini replaced Carlo Maderno as the chief architect for St. Peter's Basilica and was given complete control over any new projects in St. Peter's until 1647, three years after the Pope's death. Bernini not only oversaw the addition of interior decoration in St. Peter's but he was responsible for the creation of several works, including Saint Longinus.Saint Longinus was one of four massive statues commissioned for the niches under the crossing of St Peter's, along with statues of St Andrew, St Helen, and St Veronica, all of whom have relics associated with them in the basilica. Small models were created by various artists, including one of St Andrew by Bernini. After various discussions with the committee selecting the works, Bernini was then appointed to create St Longinus. Bernini was paid 3,300 Roman scudi for the work, the same as each of the other sculptors producing statues for the niche.
St. Peter's Basilica St Veronica crossing relics St Andrew St Helen Roman Bernini Carlo Maderno scudi Longinus Saint Longinus