Saint Teresa
Carved Polychrome Wood Statue of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
SW07004
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She is also called St. Teresa of the Little Flower. Her iconography was quite popular throughout churches in Asia during the Spanish missionary period. In her quest for sanctity, St. Teresa believed that it was not necessary to accomplish heroic acts, or "great deeds", in order to attain holiness and to express her love of God. She wrote, "Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love." In this sculpture she wears the habit of the Carmelite Order, which is decorated with large gilded flowers and raised gilded hems. The polychrome still has all the original colors executed with minute details over the draping garments. The age and originality of the paint can be seen by the lines in the polychrome that accentuate the beauty of this sculpture and add an aged quality that is impossible to find in a contemporary carving. Saint Teresa’s has inset painted glass eyes which greatly enhance the lifelike expression of the serene young nun. The origin of this statue is European and was shipped to Asia during the missionary period (1700 – 1900). St, Therese’s overall height is 25” (63.5cm) which includes the 1.5” (4cm) base.
SW07004
Contact us for price
She is also called St. Teresa of the Little Flower. Her iconography was quite popular throughout churches in Asia during the Spanish missionary period. In her quest for sanctity, St. Teresa believed that it was not necessary to accomplish heroic acts, or "great deeds", in order to attain holiness and to express her love of God. She wrote, "Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love." In this sculpture she wears the habit of the Carmelite Order, which is decorated with large gilded flowers and raised gilded hems. The polychrome still has all the original colors executed with minute details over the draping garments. The age and originality of the paint can be seen by the lines in the polychrome that accentuate the beauty of this sculpture and add an aged quality that is impossible to find in a contemporary carving. Saint Teresa’s has inset painted glass eyes which greatly enhance the lifelike expression of the serene young nun. The origin of this statue is European and was shipped to Asia during the missionary period (1700 – 1900). St, Therese’s overall height is 25” (63.5cm) which includes the 1.5” (4cm) base.