The Vision of St Teresa of Ávila

Although De Lairesse came from a Catholic family, he and his wife registered with the Reformed Walloon community in Amsterdam. He rarely depicted explicit Catholic subjects. This print, however, is an exception. In an ecstatic vision the Spanish mystic Teresa saw an angel driving a glowing spear into her heart, and was instantly filled with a burning love for God.

The Vision of St Teresa of Ávila

Although De Lairesse came from a Catholic family, he and his wife registered with the Reformed Walloon community in Amsterdam. He rarely depicted explicit Catholic subjects. This print, however, is an exception. In an ecstatic vision the Spanish mystic Teresa saw an angel driving a glowing spear into her heart, and was instantly filled with a burning love for God.