Image of Bernini’s Ecstasy of St.Teresa: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/
Estasi_di_Santa_Teresa.jpg/250px-Estasi_di_Santa_Teresa.jpg
Image of Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of St. Peter: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Caravaggio_-Martirio_di_San_Pietro.jpg/300px-Caravaggio-_Martirio_di_San_Pietro.jpg
The Protestant Reformation and the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation had major influences on the Western art world, out of which Baroque art would emerge. Artists and artworks became an essential arm of the church, needed to inspire faith and commitment within an institution that found itself destabilized by this schism. Though Baroque artists continued to use the vocabulary of ancient Greeks and Romans, as had Renaissance artists, there were major shifts in how religious imagery would be depicted. Compare two Baroque artworks, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculpture Ecstasy of St. Teresa with Caravaggio’s painting, Crucifixion of St. Peter, in order to identify and discuss this shift in religious imagery. Again, give a formal analysis of each painting in order to distinguish the different approaches of these two artists, but this time pay close attention to light, movement, and theatricality. Make a brief comparison to Renaissance art in order to illustrate the shift in art periods. Use the required course materials to help you discuss, briefly, (1) the history of Baroque art and these two artists in particular, (2) the role of the church, and (3) how Bernini and Caravaggio differently conveyed faith and commitment to the church.
It is important to note that this assignment is your second introduction to Art History and Art Criticism, so it is imperative that you continue to exercise your ability to visually analyze. The required course materials, under “How To Write About Art: Art Criticism and Formal Analysis,” will continue to aid you in developing these skills.