Bidspirit auction | Saint Teresa in ecstasy. Hispanic

Saint Teresa in ecstasy. Hispanic American Baroque school. 18th century. - Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 103 x 83 cm and 134 x 106 cm. The work depicts Saint Teresa of Ávila in the throes of mystical ecstasy, her gaze directed upwards, where a dove—symbol of the Holy Spirit—descends in a luminous halo. The saint is flanked by cherubs, two of whom hold symbols of knowledge: a book and a quill pen. Her posture and the ecstatic expression on her face convey an intense spiritual experience. The dark, enveloping background, barely interrupted by golden glimmers, creates a supernatural atmosphere that accentuates the contemplation of the scene. The brushwork is restrained, with earthy tones and golden nuances that enrich the chiaroscuro. The representation follows the iconographic models promoted by the Counter-Reformation, especially prevalent in 18th-century Spanish American painting, which sought to portray the mystical experience of the saints with emotional force and devotional impact. The symmetrical arrangement, compositional balance, and allegorical elements reinforce the symbolic dimension of the piece. Dimensions: 103 x 83 cm and 134 x 106 cm.