What does Bernini's 'Ecstasy of St. Teresa' evoke in its representation?

Bernini's 'Ecstasy of St. Teresa' masterfully captures a mystical spiritual experience, which is central to the work's thematic essence. The sculpture illustrates a moment described by St. Teresa of Ávila, where she experiences a profound encounter with the divine, leading to a deep, transcendent vision.

Bernini's use of dynamic composition, expressive movement, and intricate detail all contribute to the intensity of this spiritual experience. The way St. Teresa is portrayed—her body in a state of rapture, positioned with her eyes closed and mouth slightly open—communicates both the physical and spiritual dimensions of her ecstasy. The surrounding elements, such as the radiant golden light and the figures of angels, further enhance this sense of divine illumination and revelation.

This work is not focused on suffering, earthly pleasures, or tragic love stories; rather, it transcends these concepts by immersing the viewer in Teresa's moment of union with the divine, making it a quintessential representation of Baroque spirituality. Bernini successfully evokes a sense of awe and invites the observer to reflect on the nature of faith and divine contemplation.