Saint Theresa
of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face

Matted size: 11 x 14
Mat color: Cream
Price: $185.00

This museum print is a limited edition, archival print that is hand gilded with genuine 23k gold, signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Therese was responsible for decorating with flowers, the beautiful statue of the Child Jesus with its light, rose-colored robe which was located by the cloister and often had paper rocks and branches with stuffed birds placed around it. Here in this scene, Therese is assigned to repaint and re-gild the little statue. With paint brush in hand she begins her task. She begins to contemplate the childhood of Jesus in the joyful mysteries, and suddenly through tears of consolation she sees the Child Jesus, now illuminated and bearing a gift in His hand: a single rose. Therese herself then becomes illuminated. The Child Jesus turns and leans His face into hers, whispering, “Ma petite fleur.” Using a gentle, downward motion, He caresses her soft cheek with the rose, causing a petal to fall.
The falling petal will lead Therese to look down and notice that His little hand, having been pierced by a thorn from the rose stem has begun to bleed. She is then brought into the sorrowful mysteries where the crown of thorns disfigures the Holy Face of the Savior. This is referenced by the sharp thorns of the roses flourishing in the border. In the upper left is a white Lily, a symbol of purity and of the resurrection. The Carnation in the lower part of the border is also a symbol of the Passion; Carnations are said to have sprung up from Mary‘s tears along the way as she followed her Son to Calvary.

Therese also had a very strong devotion to the Eucharist which is alluded to here as well; a Hummingbird attracted to the bright red liquid issuing from the Child Jesus’ hand, flies into the scene abandoning the flowers in the border for something sweeter. Soon the others follow suit and effortlessly hover in place as if to be patiently waiting in line to taste the Divine Nectar. There are eleven Hummingbirds representing the eleven apostles at the Institution of the Eucharist. Pearls, which symbolize wisdom, embellish the frame surrounding Therese as she is a Doctor of the Church,while violets symbolize humility pointing out her little way.

St. Theresa $185.00
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