The problem I see with locating Bernini's sculpture of St. Teresa in
Ecstacy in a church isn't it's overtly erotic character but with its
theatricality. Thanks to the discussion here I see it IS theater, even to
a scupted audience!
Would St. Teresa, author of The Interior Castle, founder of numerous
Carmelite enclosures, have recognized her spiritual experience of divine
union in Bernini's work? I think not.
So the question this particular work of art raises is what has theatrical
display to do with mysticism? (not is the church afraid of eros). To me
it seems that Baroque artists, serving a church who has almost forgotten
her spousal love of the Holy Trinity, try to awaken it through exterior
show.
Susan Kerr
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