Saint Teresa of Avila 1644

Jusepe de Ribera's "Saint Teresa of Avila" (1644) is a powerful depiction of the Spanish mystic and Carmelite nun. The painting portrays Teresa in a moment of contemplation, her gaze directed upward as a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, descends from above. The skull and quill pen on the table before her are a reminder of her mortality and her dedication to writing. Ribera's use of tenebrism, a technique characterized by strong contrasts of light and dark, creates a dramatic and intimate atmosphere, highlighting the saint's spiritual fervor. This Baroque masterpiece demonstrates Ribera's mastery in rendering realism and emotional depth.