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Ecstasy |
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written
by kayanna / 10.24.2005 |
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| The Ecstasy of Beata Ludovica Albertoni |
1 of 1 |
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Assignment |
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As I turn the corner to be confronted with the statue, I first see the brilliantly lit-up knee, raised upward in the center of the alcove. Then my eyes follow the light filtering in from the left, passing quickly over the folds of her clothing as she reclines, to her face, which is alit with an expression not immediately discernible. The white mouth is opened slightly, and the eyes are closed. the marble eyebrows could be furrowed. Is it pain? And then I remember that the statue refers to ecstasy, and like the light filtering in slowly from a hidden window, it begins to dawn on me. It takes a moment for me to recognize the expression, because who would expect that in a church? I then see her partially highlighted hand, placed on her breast. Then I search for the other hand, which is almost lost in the folds of clothing -it is resting on her stomach. The folds of clothing that I had previously given little notice now seem to me to be twisted and bunched, as though she has been writhing, with her knee frozen upwards and her back arched partway off her couch. And looking above, to a painting, and then to heads of cherubs looking down at her, the statue is immensely provocative and seems to be in the full view of the public and of the heavens.
For the Catholic Church, not known for its promotion of sexuality - especially for women - what notion prompted this boldness? A lure or a promise, it must be, to show that the presence of God can bring believers, as a bonus to spiritual soothing, pleasure besting that of earthly passions.
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