The Ecstasy of St. Teresa (within the Cornaro Chapel) 1652

Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "The Ecstasy of St. Teresa" (1652) is a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture, known for its dramatic and theatrical qualities. The sculpture, housed within the Cornaro Chapel in Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome, depicts the mystical experience of Saint Teresa of Ávila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic, as she is pierced by an angel's arrow of divine love. Bernini's use of marble and gilded bronze creates a sense of heavenly light and movement, emphasizing the spiritual transcendence of the subject. The composition, with its dynamic lines and exaggerated gestures, invites viewers into the emotional and spiritual journey of Saint Teresa. This iconic work continues to inspire awe and reflection in visitors from around the world.