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     I chose to go with the sculpture, "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a masterpiece of Baroque art that beautifully summarizes the religious fervor and theatricality characteristic of the era.

    When I look at "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa," I'm immediately struck by the dramatic presentation of the scene. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of mysticism and divine intervention, as if the heavens themselves are illuminating the moment of ecstasy experienced by Saint Teresa. The sculptural quality of the figures, with their exaggerated expressions and dynamic poses, adds to the sense of movement and emotion in the scene.


    The central figure of Saint Teresa, caught in a moment of rapture, brings out a mix of awe and wonder. The intensity of her expression and the way her body seems to almost levitate off the ground make a sense of transcendence and spiritual ecstasy. As a viewer, I can't help but be drawn into the scene and feel a sense of reverence for the mystical experience depicted.


    In terms of presentation, "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" is truly breathtaking. The way Bernini manipulates marble to create such lifelike figures is nothing short of miraculous. The attention to detail, from the delicate folds of Saint Teresa's robes to the intricate features of the angel, demonstrates the artist's mastery of his craft.



    As for owning a copy of this work, I can imagine it would make a striking addition to any collection. However, the sheer size and grandeur of the original make it a challenging piece to replicate. Nevertheless, having a reproduction of "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" would certainly be a constant source of inspiration and contemplation.


    In terms of influences, I would like to connect this work to the influence of the Council of Trent on Baroque art. The Council of Trent, held in the 16th century in response to the Protestant Reformation, sought to reaffirm the doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church (Fajordano 2013).  One of the outcomes of the Council was a renewed emphasis on the use of art and architecture to inspire piety and devotion among the faithful.


    "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" can be seen as a prime example of this renewed focus on religious art. Bernini's masterpiece was commissioned for the Cornaro Chapel in Rome, where it was intended to inspire worshippers and reinforce Catholic doctrine. (The Art Department at Cleveland State Community College 2018). The dramatic portrayal of Saint Teresa's mystical experience served as a powerful visual reminder of the reality of divine intervention and the importance of faith.

    In comparison with a work from the Renaissance, we could contrast "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" with Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." While both works depict religious subjects, they differ greatly in style and approach. Da Vinci's painting is more restrained and classical in its composition, whereas Bernini's sculpture is dynamic and theatrical. Additionally, "The Last Supper" focuses on a narrative moment, while "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" captures a transcendent experience. (Vinciano 2019).



Works cited: 

The Art Department at Cleveland State Community College. “Italy and Spain, 1600 to 1700.” Cleveland State Art, 23 Oct. 2018, markmcleod.org/wp_clevelandstateart/courses/art-history/survey-of-art-history-ii/italy-and-spain-1600-to-1700/. 

Fajordano. “The Council of Trent and Its Impact on Baroque Art.” Fajordano, 26 June 2013, fajordano.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/the-council-of-trent-and-its-impact-on-baroque-art/. 

RIPOLLÉS, CARMEN. “The Sacred Baroque in the Catholic World.” " The Sacred Baroque in the Catholic World, smarthistory.org/reframing-art-history/sacred-baroque-catholic-world/. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024. 

Vinciano, Cenacolo. “The Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci [1452-1519].” Museo Del Cenacolo Vinciano, 16 Oct. 2019, cenacolovinciano.org/en/museum/the-works/the-last-supper-leonardo-da-vinci-1452-1519/. 

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