Saint Theresa 1661

Editor: This is Claude Mellan's "Saint Theresa," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The fine lines create a somber, reflective mood. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The engraving captures the weight of religious devotion. Observe the skull and the crucifix. Mellan uses these symbols to engage with mortality and faith. Consider Theresa's gaze— where does it lead your thoughts? Editor: It makes me think about her internal world. Curator: Exactly. The image carries layers of meaning about spiritual transcendence, and about the cultural memory of Saint Theresa, a figure of profound devotion and contemplation. What do you make of that? Editor: I hadn't considered the depth of those layers before. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure; art like this always invites us to look closer at the symbols that shape our understanding of the world.