Ecstasy Of St. Theresa Analysis

“The Swing” vs. “Ecstasy of St. Theresa”

Fragonard’s “The Swing,” from the Rococo period, and Bernini’s “Ecstasy of St. Theresa,” from the Italian Baroque, are two works of art that employ a lavish visual aesthetic that many viewers, as well as artists, of their time were unable to comprehend. Both pieces are so visually stimulating, and detail oriented. They draw the viewer to the piece without flaw, and allow for a very pleasant representation of the artistic era they embody. Both are astounding in their own way because of the many intricacies and detail that the artists put into them. For this very reason alone, It is the visual aspect that makes “The Swing” and the “Ecstasy of St. Theresa” works that at first glance are similar …show more content…
Theresa” is distinctly Italian Baroque. The image depicts the story of a woman who, in the year 1622, was made a Saint and wrote about her encounters with angels. This is what Bernini aims to show in his piece. Bernini uses the distinct Italian Baroques style of theater in setting, sensuality, and a dynamic composition to express intimacy and movement. He makes the viewer an audience member and evokes a deep sense of emotion. The color usage is bold, and the visual stimulation is tremendous. Bernini’s work is known as a total work of art, a gesamtkunstwerk. He brings together sculpture, stained glass, fresco, and painting all in one piece. He illuminates the piece by having an open window behind the broken pediment that sheds light through and down on the piece, bringing emphasis on light which is a core characteristic of the baroque style. He tries to make a connection between spirituality and physicality. His piece appeals to the senses and emphasizes a deep emotional …show more content…
Theresa” are alike in their approach to intricacy and detail, as well as intimacy. They are similar stylistically, but the meaning behinds the pieces are subtly different as well as the cultural context of the time period and approach to religion. “The Swing” is more of an innocent display of passion and love, while incorporating a hidden sexual side of the interaction, and also a well kept secret between the two. In the “Ecstasy of St. Theresa,” the sexual symbolism is more apparent, especially in position of Theresa’s facial expression, and the graceful stature of the angel looking down on her. Its to help the viewer understand the connection more deeply between the spiritual and the physical, and also to connect Heaven and Earth. The angel serves as a symbol of heaven, which St. Theresa serves as a symbol of Earth. This is a deeply religious piece while Fragonard’s “The Swing” has no religious connection at all. Also, Bernini’s piece is a commission focused on the Counter Catholic Reformation, while Fragonard’s is just a fun piece that illustrates every day life. Fragonard also only uses one medium (paint), while Bernini employs a variety of mediums, making his piece a complete work of art. Fragonard also uses the element of light, and his similarities to Bernini’s piece are probably because he was influenced by the Baroque style. Both pieces incorporate an immense amount of detail, and are pieces that are great