The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Definition

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a marble sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the mid-17th century, representing a moment of divine rapture experienced by Saint Teresa of Ávila during a mystical vision. This artwork exemplifies the emotional intensity and dramatic expression characteristic of Baroque art, utilizing light, space, and movement to convey spiritual transcendence and personal devotion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa was completed between 1647 and 1652 and is housed in the Cornaro Chapel in Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.
2. The sculpture captures a moment where Saint Teresa is depicted in a state of divine ecstasy, with an angel poised above her, preparing to pierce her heart with a golden arrow.
3. Bernini masterfully uses marble to create textures that imitate soft fabric and ethereal qualities, enhancing the emotional impact of the piece.
4. The artwork is considered a prime example of Baroque style due to its combination of spiritual fervor and theatrical presentation, inviting viewers to engage with the divine experience portrayed.
5. This sculpture reflects the broader trends of the Baroque period, where art was used as a tool for religious expression, aiming to inspire devotion and connect believers to their faith.

Review Questions

• How does The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa exemplify the emotional intensity characteristic of Baroque art?
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa embodies the emotional intensity of Baroque art through its dramatic portrayal of Saint Teresa's mystical experience. Bernini's use of dynamic poses, expressive facial features, and intricate details captures a moment of profound spiritual awakening. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the overall atmosphere, allowing viewers to feel the tension between earthly existence and divine rapture that defines the Baroque style.
• Discuss how The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa fits into the broader context of the Counter-Reformation's impact on art.
  • The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa plays a significant role in the Counter-Reformation as it exemplifies how art was used to convey deep emotional experiences that fostered personal connection to faith. The Catholic Church encouraged artists like Bernini to create works that inspired devotion and communicated religious themes effectively. This sculpture's focus on mystical experience aligns with Counter-Reformation ideals by inviting viewers into an intimate encounter with spirituality.
• Evaluate the artistic techniques used by Bernini in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and their effectiveness in conveying mysticism.
  • Bernini's artistic techniques in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa are highly effective in conveying mysticism through his masterful manipulation of marble, creating lifelike textures that suggest both physicality and ethereality. His skillful use of light enhances the emotional depth by drawing attention to key elements like Saint Teresa’s face and the angel’s gesture. These techniques invite viewers to not only witness but also experience the spiritual event, aligning perfectly with the mystic themes expressed in Saint Teresa’s writings about her encounters with God.

Related terms

Baroque Sculpture: A style of sculpture that emerged in the late 16th century, characterized by dynamic forms, intricate details, and dramatic use of light and shadow to evoke emotion.

Counter-Reformation: A period of Catholic revival initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing spirituality and the importance of religious art in conveying deep emotional experiences.

Mysticism: A spiritual belief that emphasizes personal experience of the divine, often involving intense emotional states and visions, as exemplified by Saint Teresa's writings and experiences.