Loyd Grossman

Broadcaster and writer Loyd Grossman returns to the elephant sculpture that first kindled his love for Rome and looks at the relationship between the celebrated artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Pope Alexander VII that inspired it.

Grossman explains how Alexander and Bernini became one of the greatest artistic double acts in history. They created the Baroque Rome that made the city a must-see destination for Europe’s elite and that continues to delight millions of visitors today. The elephant carrying an obelisk outside Santa Maria sopra Minerva symbolises the relationship between artist and pope.

‘An Elephant in Rome is a fascinating study of papal intrigue, art history, urban architecture, soft power and creative relationships that tells a lesser known side of Roman history.’ The Idler

Grossman is a well-known television presenter of programmes such as Masterchef, Through the Keyhole and Behind the Headlines. He is Chairman of The Royal Parks, President of The Arts Society and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

This event is part of a series celebrating Italian culture.