The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg is premiering Bernini and the Roman Baroque Saturday. It’s the first new exhibition of 2022, arguably the most significant show at the MFA since it re-opened 17 months ago. According to museum director Kristen Shepherd, this exhibition – celebrating the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) and other artists of the Roman Baroque period (c. 1600-1700) – is just the opening salvo of what will be a big year at the museum.

“The Baroque period is known for so much movement, sensuality and drama,” she explains. “So you get these dramatic lighting effects. It’s really rich in detail, it’s really bold. And the works that we’re showing are extremely rare.