The organ and cantoria (balcony for solo singers) behind the entrance
The painting on the cupola depicts
"Mary in heaven among the angels, and the fall from heaven of the evil angels led by Lucifer"
The Virgin Mary Triumphing over Heresy
This is St Vittoria.
See her mouth, eyes and fingers then decide whether she is REAL
The Dream of St Joseph
St John of the Cross
The Cornaro Chapel
Ecstasy of St Teresa
It is considered to be the best baroque sculpture in Rome
and Bernini's most accomplished work
Perhaps Bernini's vision was the re-enactment of the piercing of the heart of Christ as He hung on the Cross and the shedding of blood from the heart of Christ was taken to be the moment redemption. Hence the saint's ecstasy was an experience of joy and wonderment.
The Protestants' reaction has been hostile and the Catholics also had problems with the interpretation. Perhaps I should agree with the 18th century French visitors view that it shows an ignorant and frustrated virgin having a spontaneous orgasm, while not knowing what is happening to her.
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