Bernini

Bernini

Available on Prime Video, Marquee TV, BBC Select
S1 E2: The meeting of Heaven and Earth is illustrated by what can only be described as orgasmic bliss. For centuries, many tried to ignore the obvious sensual overtones of Bernini’s masterpiece, The Ecstasy of St Theresa. But one glimpse of the sculpture, and in particular the sainted nun’s facial expression, gives the game away. Art expert Simon Schama explores this wild mixture of sex and the sacred.