Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Definition

Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a remarkable Baroque sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicting the mystical experience of Saint Teresa of Avila as she is pierced by an angel’s arrow, symbolizing divine love and spiritual ecstasy. This work is a prime example of how sculpture can capture emotional intensity and religious fervor, reflecting the broader characteristics of the Baroque art movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sculpture was commissioned for the Cornaro Chapel in Rome and completed between 1647 and 1652.
2. The work showcases Bernini's mastery of marble, creating lifelike textures that evoke a sense of softness in Saint Teresa's garments and the ethereal quality of the angel.
3. The installation is designed to be viewed from multiple angles, emphasizing the theatrical aspect of the scene and drawing viewers into the experience.
4. Ecstasy of Saint Teresa combines elements of architecture, sculpture, and painting, with the use of natural light enhancing the overall effect.
5. This piece exemplifies the Counter-Reformation's influence on art, emphasizing emotional engagement and the divine through dramatic visual narratives.

Review Questions

• How does Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa embody the key characteristics of Baroque art?
  • Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa exemplifies Baroque art through its dramatic composition, emotional intensity, and intricate details. The sculpture captures a moment filled with spiritual fervor as Saint Teresa experiences divine ecstasy. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the emotional impact, drawing attention to the contrasting figures of the angel and Teresa, while the dynamic arrangement encourages viewers to engage with the artwork from multiple perspectives, creating a theatrical experience typical of Baroque aesthetics.
• Discuss how Bernini's use of materials contributes to the overall impact of Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.
  • Bernini's expert use of marble in Ecstasy of Saint Teresa plays a critical role in conveying texture and emotion within the piece. He skillfully carves delicate details in Teresa's garments to evoke softness and flowing movement. The contrast between the smoothness of her skin and the sharpness of the angel’s features enhances their spiritual significance. Furthermore, by allowing light to play off the surfaces, Bernini gives life to the figures, making them appear almost animated, which intensifies the viewer's emotional response.
• Analyze how Ecstasy of Saint Teresa reflects the themes of the Counter-Reformation and its influence on Baroque sculpture.
  • Ecstasy of Saint Teresa serves as a powerful reflection of Counter-Reformation themes by emphasizing personal piety and emotional connection to God. The sculpture illustrates a direct encounter with divinity, which was a central goal for artists during this period, aiming to inspire viewers towards spiritual contemplation. By capturing a moment of profound religious experience through dramatic expression and intricate detail, Bernini effectively communicates the fervor and intensity that church leaders sought to revive in response to Protestant Reformation critiques, making it a pivotal piece in Baroque sculpture.

Related terms

Baroque Art: A style of art that emerged in the late 16th century, characterized by dramatic use of light and shadow, intense emotions, and elaborate details.

Chiaroscuro: An artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.

Sculptural Composition: The arrangement and organization of forms in a sculpture to create a sense of movement and emotional impact.