Week 7 Readings - Study Notes on Bernini's Cornaro Chapel and St. Teresa

Overview of Bernini's Cornaro Chapel

• Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) created the Cornaro Chapel (1645-52) to honor St. Teresa, canonized in 1622.

• The decision to feature Teresa was strategic for the Catholic Church in combating the Protestant Reformation.

The Counter-Reformation Context

• Pope Paul III convened the Council of Trent (1545-63) to address church corruption and spiritual issues highlighted by Reformers.

• The Church aimed to redefine art as a means to inspire piety rather than idolatry.

Bernini's Challenge

• The task was to create a visual experience that affirmed Teresa's sanctity while reinforcing Church authority.

• Teresa's mysticism posed potential risks of subversion against institutional control.

Design and Symbolism

• Cornaro Chapel emphasizes Teresa's miraculous event of 'Transverberation'.

• Structure designed to control viewer interaction, positioning them strategically to experience Teresa's statue.

• Use of marble and light emphasizes Teresa's passive state and divine authority.

Representation of the Cornaro Family

• Busts of the Cornaro family serve as witnesses to Teresa's miracle and to model appropriate behavior for viewers.

• Their placement connects them symbolically with papal authority and reasserts hierarchical control over religious interpretation.