Altar Flanked by St. Louis and St. Theresa 1815 - 1868

Here is a drawing of an altar flanked by St. Louis and St. Theresa, made by Emile-Charles Wattier in the 19th century. The altar, adorned with angels and royal emblems, enshrines a vision of celestial figures. Note how the figures of St. Louis and St. Theresa stand as stoic guardians on either side. This composition echoes the classical motif of flanking figures found in ancient temples, adapted here to a Christian context. Consider the raised hands in the central image, a gesture resonating through centuries. We see it in ancient Roman art, signifying supplication or benediction. In early Christian art, it evolves into a symbol of prayer and divine invocation. The emotional power of this image lies in its appeal to collective memory. The familiar gestures and symbols evoke a sense of continuity and shared spiritual experience. It's a visual language that speaks to the subconscious, transcending time. This echoes and adapts past traditions, revealing how these symbolic forms continue to shape our understanding of the sacred.