Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Felice Giani (1758–1823), a prominent Italian Neoclassical artist, crafted *Ecstasy of Saint Teresa* between 1813 and1818. Known for his elegant drawings, frescoes, and paintings inspired by classical antiquity and Raphael, Giani often blended historical themes with refined human figures. This work, classified simply as "figures," captures dramatic spiritual rapture of Saint Teresa of Á, the 16th-century mystic whose visions inspired countless artists. The title evokes Gian Lorenzo Bernini's famous 17th-century Baroque sculpture in Rome, but Giani's Neoclassical approach likely tempers that theatrical intensity with balanced proportions, idealized forms, and a sense of serene divinity—hallmarks of the early 19th-century revival of classical ideals amid Europe's post-Napoleonic era. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, such pieces highlight Giani's skill in conveying emotion through poised anatomy. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through generous donor gifts, this artwork bridges Italian Renaissance spirituality with American collections, inviting visitors to ponder timeless themes of faith and transcendence. A gem in the Smithsonian Collection, it awaits further scholarly insights.