St. Teresa of Avila
Benet Mercadé

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) is one of the greatest Saints in the Catholic Church. The daughter of a wealthy Spanish nobleman, she joined the Carmel at age 20, Eventually she became its chief reformer, sharing mystical wisdom, writing books on theology, and founding many convents and monasteries.

The Carmel of her days was more of a relaxed ladies' club with many visitors. Teresa advocated for a return to poverty and austerity, as the deep contemplative prayer life which she aspired to was constantly interrupted by the lax convent behavior.

She attracted many followers and friends, including the young St. John of the Cross who took her mysticism to the men, and Fr. Jerónimo Gracián, shown in this painting, who used his extensive power within Spain and the Church for her reforms. She is shown here winning him over to her cause.

Teresa wrote: "Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing other than a close sharing between friends. It means frequently taking time to be alone with Him whom we know loves us."

Teresa was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, one of only 36 and the first woman. Her books, such as Interior Castle, are still widely read and very influential across society even to this day. Feast Day October 15. Paton of Headache sufferers. (source: catholic.org)

Benet Mercadé (1821-1897) was influenced by the spiritually-oriented Nazarene School. He was known for portraits and religious narratives. This painting was done in 1868. We like how it's a painterly kind of illustration. It is one of our favorite pictures of Teresa. Look how some of the nuns are disgruntled with the prospects of reform. Oil on canvas. 9.8' x 13.5'.

** IMPORTANT ** THE IMAGE IS SMALLER THAN THE PAPER! There is a white border of about 0.5" inch for 5x7", 1.3" for 8.5x11", or 1.6" for 11x14" pictures. All Approx! Fine art printers do this because the images are almost never the same rectangular ratio of the standard paper sizes. It also gives the prints a finished look, and lets them look good in a frame without a matt.

- Acid-free paper
- Archival pigments, rated to last for generations.
- Cardboard backer
- Above story of the art
- Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.

Thanks for your interest!

Thanks!
Sue & John

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) © by Sue Kouma Johnson - CatholicArtAndJewelry.