Who painted Theresa of Avila?

Theresa of Avila was painted by Peter Paul Rubens in 1615.

Where can I see Theresa of Avila?

Theresa of Avila is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Theresa of Avila?

Theresa of Avila is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Theresa of Avila

Peter Paul Rubens , 1615

Theresa of Avila is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Created by Peter Paul Rubens in 1615, the work falls within the religious genre, focusing on the Spanish mystic and saint.

The painting depicts Teresa of Ávila, a central figure in religious art, as its main subject. Created by Peter Paul Rubens in 1615, the work falls within the religious genre, focusing on the Spanish mystic and saint. The composition centers entirely on her portrayal, aligning with the conventions of hagiographic representation where the saint is the primary visual and thematic focus. As a religious artwork, the piece serves to honor and commemorate Teresa of Ávila's spiritual significance.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting on canvas executed in 1615, measuring 67 by 69 centimeters. It portrays Teresa of Ávila in a devotional composition typical of Counter-Reformation religious art, rendered with the naturalistic modeling and rich coloration characteristic of Rubens' mature style. The brushwork demonstrates a blend of smooth finishes in the figure’s flesh and more gestural handling in the drapery, emphasizing tactile presence.

History & Provenance

The painting titled Theresa of Avila was created by Peter Paul Rubens in 1615. Classified as a religious work, the piece depicts the main subject Teresa of Ávila. It measures 67 cm in height and 69 cm in width. The work is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

The painting is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, where it is inventoried as 67 × 69 cm (inventory number not specified in sources).

It has been exhibited at the Kunsthistorisches Museum as part of its permanent holdings, with no additional temporary exhibition history reported in the provided sources.

Overview

This 1615 painting by Peter Paul Rubens is a representation of Theresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic and Catholic saint. It is a characteristic work of the Flemish Baroque style, known for its vivid color and dynamic composition.