by-nc

Vision of Saint Teresa of Avila

Maker

(artist)
1613-1699

Title

Vision of Saint Teresa of Avila

Medium

red chalk, red wash on laid paper, on a historic mount

Dimensions

Height: 26.4 cm
Width: 18.9 cm

Accession Number

D.1952.RW.3696

Mode of Acquisition

Robert Clermont Witt, bequest, 1952

Credit

The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Copyright

Work in the public domain

Location

Not currently on display

Keywords








Label Text

The Carmelite nun Teresa (1515–82) had a vision of an angel plunging a flaming dart into her heart, in graphic representation of God’s love for her. Here, the Saint is shown kneeling and gazing upwards towards heaven while she holds her hands close to her chest.

The swift execution of this drawing suggests that it was a study for a more finished work. The sketchy angularity of the Saint is typical of Preti's later manner. The angels were probably reworked by another artist.

Provenance

unidentified collector, L.172; Miss Healy (?); purchased from her by Colnaghi (London), 1 March 1945; purchased there by Sir Robert Witt, London (1872-1952), L.2228b, 7 March 1945, for £12; Witt Bequest 1952

Exhibition History

Special Display - Neapolitan drawings, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 06/10/2011-26/01/2012

Inscriptions

Watermark: Watermark: unable to check due to mount.

Collector's mark: Mount (historic), Recto: and partly on lower right edge of drawing, blindstamped: unidentified collector’s mark (L.172); lower left corner, stamped in black ink: Sir Robert Witt (L.2228b).

Inscription: Recto: lower right corner, black ink: “8”.

Information on this object may be incomplete and will be updated as research progresses. We are particularly committed to addressing any discriminatory or offensive language and ideas that might be present in our records. To help improve this record, and to enquire about images of The Courtauld Gallery Collection, please email gallery.collectionsonline@courtauld.ac.ukFind out more about using and licensing our images.

____________________________

Buy a print from our collection