The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Definition

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a Baroque sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicting the moment when Saint Teresa of Ávila experienced a divine vision and intense spiritual rapture. This masterpiece captures the emotional intensity and dramatic movement characteristic of Baroque art, showcasing how Bernini masterfully blends theatrical elements with religious themes to create an immersive experience that draws viewers into the scene.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sculpture is housed in the Cornaro Chapel in Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome, where the setting amplifies the dramatic effect of the piece.
2. Bernini utilized marble to create textures that evoke both softness and solidity, skillfully portraying the ethereal quality of Teresa's experience.
3. The composition includes additional figures, such as members of the Cornaro family, depicted in the act of witnessing Teresa's ecstasy, creating a sense of engagement with the audience.
4. The work is characterized by its dynamic movement, as Teresa's body is tilted back in an expression of surrender to divine love, embodying the emotional depth typical of Baroque art.
5. Bernini's ability to infuse his sculptures with spirituality and emotional expression has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Baroque sculpture.

Review Questions

• How does Bernini's use of movement and space in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa contribute to its emotional impact?
  • In The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, Bernini employs dynamic movement by positioning Teresa's body at an angle that conveys a sense of surrender and spiritual elevation. The swirling drapery around her enhances this effect, giving the impression that she is caught in a moment of divine ecstasy. The spatial arrangement within the Cornaro Chapel further amplifies this feeling, as viewers are invited to experience the scene almost as participants rather than mere observers.
• What role does light play in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, and how does it affect the viewer's perception?
  • Light plays a crucial role in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, particularly through Bernini's use of chiaroscuro to highlight certain features while casting others into shadow. This technique creates a dramatic effect that draws attention to Teresa's face and outstretched arms, emphasizing her ecstatic expression. Additionally, the placement of hidden lighting within the chapel creates an otherworldly glow around her figure, enhancing the spiritual aura of the moment and guiding the viewer’s focus toward the transcendent experience being depicted.
• Evaluate how The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa reflects the broader characteristics of Baroque art and its cultural context.
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa embodies key characteristics of Baroque art through its emotional intensity, dramatic use of light and shadow, and intricate detailing. This work reflects the cultural context of 17th-century Catholicism, particularly the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on personal spirituality and emotional engagement with faith. By capturing a deeply personal moment of divine connection, Bernini not only showcases technical mastery but also aligns with the Baroque movement’s goal to inspire awe and devotion among viewers during a time when art served as a tool for religious experience.

Related terms

Chiaroscuro: A technique used in painting and sculpture to create a strong contrast between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality and emotional impact of the work.

Tenebrism: An extreme form of chiaroscuro that emphasizes dramatic illumination, creating stark contrasts of light and shadow for heightened emotional intensity.

Sculptural Composition: The arrangement of forms and figures within a sculpture, which can convey movement, emotion, and narrative through their positioning and interaction.