A very special Spanish antique hand carved and painted wooden statue of St Theresa c.1790. Her robes are beautifully painted in gilt to the front and rear and she wears a metal filagree halo, holding a book in her left hand (likely of prayer). Some chipping and losses and wear to gilding which is commensurate with a gilded wooden statue of this age. St. Teresa of Ávila was a Spanish Carmelite nun who lived in the 1500s. She was a mystic and author of spiritual writings and poems. She founded numerous convents throughout Spain and was the originator of the Carmelite Reform that restored a contemplative and austere life to the order.Together with Francis of Assisi, she is one of the most popular saints in the history of the church. Together with Francis of Assisi, she is one of the most popular saints in the history of the church.