Saint Teresa of Avila interceding for Bernardino de Mendoza (ca. 1641–72)
Original title: Saint Teresa of Avila interceding for Bernardino de Mendoza
kurzbeschreibung
François Langot produced this engraving sometime between 1641 and 1672. It presents Saint Teresa of Ávila interceding before Christ. The print is a reverse copy and belongs to the religious printmaking of the Baroque.
Description
The layout feels symmetrical. Christ stands at the center, surrounded by a radiant backdrop. To one side, Saint Teresa kneels in her habit; she looks up at him, and he touches her with one hand. Angels frame the scene, one bearing a halo of rays. Below, other figures appear, illuminated or amazed.
Context
The engraving emerged in the context of the Catholic Reformation, when devotion to saints and intercessory prayer were central. Bernardino de Mendoza, a Spanish diplomat and patron of the Carmelite order, is represented here by Teresa, so that his spiritual well-being might be served. Likely the print was meant to spread the cult of Teresa in Europe.
Impact
Dramatic light and rich shading create a dense, spiritual atmosphere. By emphasizing the closeness between the saint and Christ, the image engages the viewer emotionally and invites devotion.
Technique
In engraving, lines are cut into a metal plate and then printed. Precise lines and fine hatching shape the figures and give them volume. Because this is a reverse copy of another work, it is a reproductive print.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)