This church contains one of the most extraordinary sculptures in Rome: the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The seventeenth-century Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, or Our Lady of Victory, has a travertine façade that forms a magnificent monumental set together with the sixteenth century Fountain of Moses, which was once the spectacular outlet of the Acqua Felice Aqueduct.
The church is famous and mostly visited for the Cornaro family chapel that was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini; its altar displays the sculptural group called the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.
Inspired by the autobiographical narrative of the Spanish saint, Bernini offers a true Baroque masterpiece here, where painting, sculpture, and architecture blend together and create spectacular results.
This sculptural group kept the artist busy for four years, up to 1651, and is the fulcrum of a highly theatrical scene. Bernini took care to create a niche in the back wall for the altar, and positioned a window behind the triangular pediment of the monument so that light poured over it from above, mixing with the sculpture's golden bronze reflections.
It is a magical spectacle and a proud affirmation of his full and vital creative effort which makes the saint seem to be mystically suspended in mid-air. The white block of marble has been worked with sensual softness, simulating a dense cloud for the unconscious saint to lay on, while her face expresses pain and sensuality and conveys an unforgettable experience. A smiling angel pushes a golden arrow towards the chest of the saint, bringing the scene's emotion to a climax. In the vault, a divine dove flies towards the window, through the clouds flooding the chapel.
FUN FACT: this church is linked to a battle between the Catholics and Lutherans near Prague. The Catholics were losing, but a picture of Mary that a priest carried around his neck emitted a bright light that dazzled the enemies and sent them running. The image was then brought to this church, which has since been called Santa Maria della Vittoria.
Language: English