Lecture Notes: Bernini's "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa"

Introduction

• Presenters: Steven Zucker and Beth Harris
• Topic: Examination of Bernini's sculpture "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" within the Cornaro Chapel, Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria.

Bernini's Background

• Religious Influence: Unlike many artists, Bernini was deeply religious.
• Interest in Theatre: Wrote plays, created set designs, and merged religious faith with theatrical elements in his art.

The Cornaro Chapel

• Integration of Arts: Combines sculpture, architecture, and painting.
  • Use of colored marble, frescoes, stained glass, and gilding.
  • Designed as a complete installation piece.

Purpose of Baroque Art

• Viewer Engagement: Invites viewer involvement and aims to inspire faith.
• Miraculous Experience: Art used to evoke spiritual experiences.

Subject: "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa"

• Saint Teresa: Recently canonized (1622), known for visions of angels.
• Vision Description:
  • Angel with a fiery spear piercing her heart, causing spiritual and physical ecstasy.
  • Textual account highlights the mix of physical and spiritual experiences.

Artistic Representation

• Bernini's Translation: Uses physical body and sexual symbolism to convey spiritual ecstasy.
• Details in Sculpture:
  • Angel's sweet smile, graceful figure contrasted with Teresa's heavy clothing.
  • Use of marble to create diverse textures (fabric, wings).

Technique and Innovation

• Floating Effect: Sculpture appears suspended, supported from deep recess.
• Light and Shadow: Creates miraculous appearance; utilizes shadows underneath.

Context: Counter-Reformation

• Catholic vs. Protestant Views:
  • Protestant opposition to Catholic pomp and ceremony.
  • Bernini uses these elements to express direct spiritual connections.

Involvement of the Viewer

• Interactive Space: Theater-like setting with relief sculptures in audience-like positions.
• Patronage: Includes likenesses of patrons, the Cornaro family, observing the sacred event.

Use of Light

• Natural and Artistic Lighting:
  • Hidden window allows natural light to illuminate sculpture.
  • Fresco of the Holy Spirit on the ceiling suggests divine light source.

Emotional Impact

• Baroque Art Characteristics: Appeals to senses rather than rationality.
  • Focuses on transformation, spiritual awakening, and emotional power.
  • Union of earthly experiences with the spiritual realm.