Saint Theresa praying alongside Christ, who points upwards to God the Father and the Holy Spirit 1635 - 1700

Gilles Rousselet made this print of Saint Theresa alongside Christ in France in the 17th century. It's rendered in the formal style of the period, but what really speaks to us now is how it reflects the social and political context in which it was made. The Catholic Church was a dominant force in French society, and its influence extended far beyond the spiritual realm. Figures such as Saint Theresa were held up as examples of piety and devotion, reinforcing the Church's authority. The print also reflects the patronage system of the time, as religious orders and wealthy families commissioned works of art to demonstrate their status and piety. To truly understand this image, we need to consider the historical sources that inform it, such as the writings of Saint Theresa herself, as well as the records of the Carmelite order. This reminds us that the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.