“The Ecstasy of St. Teresa” is a sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created around 1640, and is a prominent example of the Baroque art movement. The artwork, currently housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, visually represents a profound spiritual experience.
The sculpture captures the moment of St. Teresa of Ávila’s mystical encounter with an angel. St. Teresa is depicted in a state of ecstasy, her head tilted back and eyes closed, conveying a sense of transcendence and divine rapture. The angel, positioned beside her, holds a delicate, yet firm dominance, with an expression of tenderness and compassion. Bernini’s masterful craftsmanship is evident in the intricate details and the dynamic folds of the drapery, which contribute to the overall sense of movement and emotional intensity. The artwork is celebrated for its ability to invoke a powerful spiritual and emotional response in the observer, a hallmark of the Baroque style.
