The Ecstasy of St. Theresa represents the famous account of the 16th century Carmelite nun Theresa of Avila's "Transverberation," or visitation by an angel. In her autobiography, she wrote:
I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart, and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all on fire with a great love of God. The pain was so great, that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain, that I could not wish to be rid of it...
Reportedly experiencing religious visions for years during an illness, the suggestive description has invited speculation amongst both lay and faithful about her true meaning. Gian Lorenzo Bernini most famously depicted the scene in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome (third image), which has influenced the design of this piece.
Bonus pic of Theresa's handwritten autobiography seen by us while visiting the Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid Spain in 2023.
Details
The Ecstasy of St. Theresa is made in 18k yellow gold with 24k gold accents
Features a .40ct, F color, VVS1 GIA certified kite diamond
Measures 18" long and weighs 10.5dwt.
