The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Definition

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a renowned Baroque sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicting the spiritual and mystical experience of Saint Teresa of Ávila during a vision of divine love. This masterpiece exemplifies the intense emotional expression, dynamic movement, and dramatic use of light characteristic of Baroque art, while also reflecting the Renaissance influence through its attention to naturalism and human emotion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is housed in the Cornaro Chapel in Rome, showcasing Bernini's ability to create a theatrical space around the sculpture.
2. The sculpture captures a moment when Saint Teresa describes being pierced by an angel's arrow, symbolizing her intense spiritual experience and connection with God.
3. Bernini utilized chiaroscuro techniques to enhance the emotional impact of the work, contrasting light and shadow to draw attention to Saint Teresa's expression.
4. This artwork reflects the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on personal spirituality and emotional connection with the divine as a response to Protestantism.
5. The dynamic drapery and flowing lines in the sculpture are typical of Baroque aesthetics, demonstrating movement that conveys both physical and spiritual sensations.

Review Questions

• How does The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa illustrate the transition from Renaissance ideals to Baroque characteristics?
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa showcases a blend of Renaissance naturalism with Baroque emotional intensity. While Renaissance art often focused on idealized forms and balanced compositions, Bernini's work emphasizes dramatic movement and vivid expression, drawing viewers into the spiritual experience. This shift highlights how artists began to explore deeper emotional connections in their works as they responded to the changing religious landscape.
• Discuss how Bernini's use of light in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa contributes to its overall impact as a Baroque sculpture.
  • Bernini's masterful manipulation of light in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa enhances the sculpture's dramatic effect and emotional resonance. He positioned the figures in such a way that they interact with natural light streaming through the chapel, creating an ethereal glow around Saint Teresa. This interplay of light not only elevates the mystical quality of her experience but also underscores the Baroque tendency to evoke heightened emotional responses from viewers.
• Evaluate the significance of The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa within the context of Counter-Reformation art and its broader cultural implications.
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa holds significant importance within Counter-Reformation art as it embodies the movement's focus on individual spiritual experiences and emotional engagement with faith. Bernini’s work served to inspire devotion and connect viewers with divine grace at a time when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its influence against Protestant critiques. By capturing a profound moment of mystical revelation, this sculpture reflects broader cultural shifts towards emphasizing personal piety and emotional connection in religious practices during this tumultuous period.

Related terms

Baroque Art: A style of art and architecture that emerged in the late 16th century, characterized by grandeur, emotional intensity, and dramatic use of light and shadow.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini: An Italian artist and architect who was a leading figure of Baroque art, known for his sculptures, fountains, and designs that integrated architecture with sculpture.

Mysticism: A spiritual belief system focusing on personal experiences of the divine or transcendent, often emphasizing direct communion with God through visions or profound contemplation.