19th Century French Colonial Polychrome St. Theresa of Avila

Stunning 19th Century French Colonial Polychrome St Theresa of Avila, made of carved wood, perhaps mache, and a layer of gesso under the painted finish.  Theresa lived in the 16th century, the gift of God to Teresa is threefold: she was a woman; she was a contemplative; she was an active reformer.  She was known to be a mystery of paradoxes: wise, yet practical; intelligent, yet much in tune with her experience; a mystic, yet an energetic reformer; a holy woman.  In her self, in her prayers, in her life, in her efforts to reform, in all the people she touched, she was a woman for others, a woman who inspired and gave life.

This exquisite santos stands on a painted wood base, she has her original glass eyes, she comes with a garland of wax flowers {a May tradition to embellish Madonna’s and Saints in the cathedrals and churches with crowns or garlands of wax flowers}  – it hangs around her neck.  There is all the age, wear and infinite beauty you want to see in a saint figure of this age, with chips to the painted finish.  She is a lovely and gracefilled saint, who will bless your home with a light and presence.  From the collection of a prominent collector from Laguna Beach, California, who took very good care of her.

• Measures 22″ h x 8″ x 6″.