The Ecstasy Of St. Theresa, 1645

As the Council confirmed the role saints played in the Church, the use of saints in the art and architecture also increased. The Ecstasy of St. Theresa was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and is found in the Cornaro Chapel. This chapel is located in Santa maria della Vittoria. This sculpture illustrates several aspects of Counter Reformation architecture: use of saints, different eccesiastical orders, intercession, and dramatic use of lighting.

It was not a new phenomenon for saints to be depicted in artwork. However the sheer number produced during this period depicts the Church's attempts to boldly affirm the place of the saints. St. Theresa had been recently canonized in 1622 from the order of Our lady of Mount Carmel, also known as White Friar. This depiction asserts the use of saints, a division created between Protestants and the Church during the Council of Trent. it was evident that the Church was attempting to garner more support and greater acceptance for it's doctrines from the people. Art and architecture therefore became a form of propaganda, as most people were illiterate.

Bernini's sculpture continues to further the Church's doctrine. The title tells the viewer that this saint was experiencing a moment where the heavenly realm collided with the worldly one, a divine encounter. This shows that Theresa was able to enter into communion with God, therefore was capable of interceding on behalf of those in the world. Intercession was another foundational doctrine that the council exalted.

Although intercession was depicted in Bernini's work, it did not evade the scrutiny of the Inquisition. The Counter Reformation Church used it to monitor all religious art, making sure that if followed the guidelines of the Council. Bernini's work was found to be acceptable by the Inquisition despite questions about it being too sexual in nature.

Another aspect that the sculpture demonstrated was the Council's desire for emotions to be conveyed to the viewer. In Bernini's sculpture lighting from windows from above highlight the Holy Spirit and face of the saint. It helps to highlight the deep and intimate moment. The use of lighting to convey emotions are a specific characteristic of Counter Reformation Architecture and the Baroque Style.