Allegorie op Theresia van Ávila 1845

Jean Théodore Joseph Linnig created this drawing, Allegory on Theresa of Ávila, featuring a complex array of religious and allegorical symbols. The chalice is a central motif that signifies spiritual transformation and divine grace in the Christian tradition. Above the chalice is a crown, itself a symbol of power and divinity. Here, it suggests the saint's attainment of spiritual sovereignty. Note the radiant light of the Holy Spirit, which recalls depictions of divine presence throughout art history, from ancient sun gods to Renaissance depictions of heavenly illumination. The angels are a common motif that can be found on ancient Roman sculptures. These figures transcend cultural boundaries, serving as intermediaries between the divine and mortal realms. Through repetition and reinterpretation, these symbols tap into our collective unconscious, reminding us of the enduring quest for spiritual understanding.