The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Definition

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a Baroque sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicting the mystical experience of Saint Teresa of Ávila as she describes her divine vision. This work is a hallmark of Baroque art, showcasing dramatic emotion, intricate detail, and the interplay of light and shadow, all of which are key characteristics of the style. It captures the intense spiritual experience of the saint and emphasizes themes of faith, transcendence, and divine love through its dynamic composition and ethereal qualities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sculpture was completed in 1652 and is housed in the Cornaro Chapel at Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.
2. Bernini used marble to create a lifelike representation of Saint Teresa, capturing her emotional state during a vision where an angel pierces her heart with a golden arrow.
3. The piece reflects the Baroque fascination with spirituality, emphasizing the physicality of spiritual experiences through dramatic expressions and gestures.
4. The installation includes architectural elements that frame the sculpture, enhancing the overall theatrical effect and drawing viewers into the experience.
5. Light plays a crucial role in the work; Bernini incorporated a hidden window above the sculpture to illuminate it dramatically, further enhancing the mystical atmosphere.

Review Questions

• How does The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa embody key characteristics of Baroque art through its composition and emotional expression?
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa embodies key Baroque characteristics by utilizing dramatic movement, intricate details, and intense emotional expression. Bernini’s composition captures the moment of divine intervention with swirling drapery and an angel hovering over Teresa, creating a sense of dynamic motion. This emotional depth resonates with viewers, inviting them to engage spiritually, which is central to the Baroque approach that aimed to evoke strong feelings.
• In what ways does Bernini’s depiction of Saint Teresa differ from traditional representations of saints in earlier art forms?
  • Bernini’s depiction of Saint Teresa significantly departs from traditional representations by emphasizing her emotional and physical experience rather than simply portraying her as a pious figure. The sculpture captures a moment of ecstasy filled with movement and drama, contrasting with earlier art that often presented saints in static poses. This shift highlights the Baroque focus on human experience and spirituality, making it relatable to viewers.
• Evaluate how The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa reflects the broader cultural and religious context of 17th-century Europe during the Baroque period.
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa reflects the cultural and religious context of 17th-century Europe by intertwining themes of spirituality and artistic innovation amid the Catholic Reformation. As Catholicism sought to reaffirm its presence against Protestantism, artworks like Bernini’s emphasized personal connections to faith through emotional intensity. The sculpture not only illustrates individual mysticism but also serves as a visual manifesto for the Church’s efforts to engage believers through powerful imagery, mirroring the Baroque era's embrace of dramatic expression in art.

Related terms

Baroque Sculpture: A style of sculpture that emerged in the late 16th century, characterized by dynamic movement, intricate detail, and emotional intensity.

Saint Teresa of Ávila: A Spanish mystic and Carmelite nun whose spiritual writings and experiences significantly influenced Christian mysticism and the Catholic Reformation.

Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.