The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa of Avila

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a stunning sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is also known as Saint Teresa in Ecstasy or the Transverberation of Saint Teresa.

It is located in the Cornaro Chapel of the Santa Maria della Vittoria church in Rome.

Finished between 1647 and 1652, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa showcases Bernini’s incredible talent. It is a highlight of the High Roman Baroque era.

This white marble sculpture shows Teresa of Ávila, a famous Spanish nun, in deep religious ecstasy. An angel is above her, holding a spear.

The Venetian Cardinal Federico Cornaro asked for this sculpture. He wanted it in the Cornaro Chapel of the Discalced Carmelites church.

The chapel was once home to an image of ‘St. Paul was in Ecstasy before Bernini’s masterpiece.

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a masterpiece of art. It shows Bernini’s skill in using light to create a divine scene.

The sculpture gets light from a hidden window in the dome. This light makes the scene glow with a soft, heavenly light.

The Cornaro Chapel makes the sculpture even more special. The chapel walls have life-size portraits of the Cornaro family. They look like they are watching the scene unfold.

At the top, the chapel’s vault has a fresco of cherubs in the sky. This symbolizes the Holy Ghost’s presence.

People see different things in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. Some see the Cornaro family as if they are watching from their seats. Others see the mix of earthly and divine in the sculpture.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a marble sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the Cornaro Chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria church in Rome.
• Completed between 1647 and 1652, it is regarded as one of the masterpieces of the High Roman Baroque.
• The sculpture depicts the Spanish saint, Saint Teresa of Ávila, experiencing a religious ecstasy, with an angel holding a spear above her.
• Commissioned by Cardinal Federico Cornaro, the sculpture is illuminated by natural light that filters through a hidden window, creating a divine atmosphere.
• The Cornaro Chapel, with donor portraits and cherub-filled frescoes, adds a heightened sense of awe and drama to the sculpture’s setting.

The Creation of the Sculpture

Commissioned by the Venetian Cardinal Federico Cornaro, the sculpture of The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa found its home in the Cornaro Chapel of the church of the Discalced Carmelites.

This exquisite masterpiece was crafted by the renowned artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1647 and 1652.

Before creating the final marble version, Bernini first brought the sculpture to life in a tiny terracotta model.

This initial embodiment of the project allowed him to refine and perfect every intricately detailed before proceeding with the marble sculpture.

The Sculptural Group and Its Setting

The The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa sculpture shines with natural light. This light comes from a hidden window in the dome. It makes the scene feel heavenly and adds a mystical touch.

Against a backdrop of gilded stucco rays, Saint Teresa seems to float in the air. She lies on a cloud, showing her deep connection to the divine.

The mix of natural light, gilded stucco rays, Cornaro family portraits, and the cherub-filled sky creates a breathtaking setting.

This setting enhances the emotional impact of The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. It invites viewers to explore a spiritual wonderland.

Interpretations and Influences

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini has amazed people for centuries. Many appreciate its use of theatrical effects.

Imagine the Cornaro family watching the scene from their boxes. This adds a sense of grandeur to the artwork, making it more than just a religious piece.

Bernini aimed to show both sensual and spiritual pleasure in The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. The sculpture shows Saint Teresa in ecstasy, blending physical and spiritual pleasure.

This blend makes viewers think about the divine and metaphysical in their lives.

The sculpture’s influence goes beyond Bernini’s time. It has inspired many artists and works. For example, The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa, a Czech underground group, was named after Bernini’s masterpiece.

Dan Brown’s novel Angels & Demons also features the sculpture. Psychoanalytic theories by Jacques Lacan have explored its themes of desire and pleasure.

FAQ

What is The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa?

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa in Ecstasy or the Transverberation of Saint Teresa, is a white marble sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It’s in the Cornaro Chapel of the Santa Maria della Vittoria church in Rome.

When was The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa created?

Bernini finished the sculpture between 1647 and 1652.

Who commissioned The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa?

The Venetian Cardinal Federico Cornaro commissioned the sculpture.

Where is The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa located?

The sculpture is in the Cornaro Chapel of the Santa Maria della Vittoria church in Rome.

What is the setting of The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa?

The sculpture is set in a dramatic scene. Teresa lies on a cloud, showing a divine apparition. Natural light shines through a hidden window in the dome, lighting the scene.

What is the interpretation of The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa?

People see the sculpture in different ways. Some notice the theatrical effects in the scene. They imagine the Cornaro family watching from their boxes.

Others see a mix of sensual and spiritual pleasure in Bernini’s artistic intention.

Has The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa influenced other artists and works?

Yes, it has inspired many. The Czech underground group The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa was influenced by it. Dan Brown’s novel Angels & Demons also draws inspiration from it.

This sculpture also influenced Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic theories.