Baroque Masterpieces: Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and Borromini’s Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza
Bernini’s *Ecstasy of Saint Teresa*: A Study in Baroque Art
The characters within Bernini’s *Ecstasy of Saint Teresa* do not seem concerned with the events unfolding around them. They are naturalistic portraits, capturing a moment of profound spiritual intensity. The background features an in-depth architectural projection, reminiscent of the *stiacciato* technique, a type of relief widely used during the Italian Renaissance. The first use of *stiacciato* is attributed to Donatello, particularly
Read MoreScientific Revolution: 16th-17th Century Transformations
During the late 16th and 17th centuries, scientific thought underwent a transformative shift from classical natural philosophy to the modern scientific method, influenced by significant developments in Europe and the Islamic world.
European Natural Philosophy
Natural philosophy, the precursor to modern science, involved the study of nature and the physical universe through observation, experimentation, and reasoning. This period marked a shift from Scholasticism, which relied on Aristotelian and theological
Read MoreDramatic Narrative: Elements, Structure, and Styles
Key Elements of Dramatic Narrative
The texts also appear to have dramatic narrative aspects. These are the explanations that the playwright puts in his text. Technically, they are called stage directions. The dialogue is the basic component of the drama, and it gives dynamism. Gestural elements are also used to enhance the expressiveness of the character; this is referred to as mimicry.
- Monologue: The character reflects on relevant issues.
- Soliloquy: The character expresses disjointed and sometimes
Neoclassicism in Art: From Enlightenment to Revolution
Art
Starting in the late 18th century, a new era begins with the French and American Revolutions and the end of the estate system. In the economic order, the old regime is replaced, and the bourgeoisie emerges as a class that will amass significant wealth thanks to the Industrial Revolution. The figure of the citizen appears, a political being who can vote.
Neoclassicism in the 18th Century
Neoclassicism is heavily influenced by the Enlightenment. This art movement is most directly related to Enlightenment
Read MoreHenry Moore’s Reclining Figure: A Study in Form and Symbolism
Henry Moore’s *Reclining Figure* (1938)
Artwork Details
- Artist: Henry Moore (1898-1986)
- Title: *Reclining Figure*
- Year: 1938
- Material: Stone
- Technique: Carved
- Dimensions: 1.32 m
- Location: Tate Gallery, London
- Style: Abstract, Free Style
- Type: Recumbent
- Color: Monochrome
Formal Analysis
The sculpture depicts a woman lying on a horizontal plane, rendered with a SuperFine CIE. A large gap is present beneath the breasts. While some figurative elements remain, the representation is highly stylized. The composition
Read MoreSpanish Postwar Literature: Poetry, Novels, and Theater
Postwar Spain
The Spanish Civil War plunged the nation into a deep crisis, which gave rise to Franco’s military dictatorship that lasted for 40 years.
Cultural Status
The turbulent political situation negatively affected culture. The lack of freedom, embodied in censorship, prevented the publication of critical works. Repression led to the exile of writers and scientists.
This period is marked by existential pessimism:
- Aestheticism: Characterized by escapism and formal concerns.
- Commitment: Artists focused