Juan Andrés Merclein ( circa 1716 - 1797) Atr. "Saint Theresa with Saint John and the Virgin"

Oil on canvas. Attributed to Juan Andrés Merclein (ca. 1716–1797), a Spanish painter of Flemish origin and teacher of Francisco Bayeu, who married his daughter Sebastiana. He was known for his Baroque training and as a religious painter, although he also practiced portraiture. The composition of this piece follows the great Spanish Counter-Reformation tradition, monumentalizing the mystical visions of national saints. Merclein organizes the scene using a classic triangular scheme, where the golden light from above gradually bathes the main figures, accentuating the contrast with the shadowy background.

The main scene shows Saint Teresa kneeling in the center of the composition with her hands crossed over her chest as a sign of humility and devotion, wearing a dark habit and a white veil. To the left, the Virgin Mary appears seated on bursts of glory and clouds, dressed in a reddish tunic and a blue mantle, while placing a crown of flowers or a rosary on the nun's head. On the right, Saint Joseph, depicted with a beard and carrying his characteristic flowering staff, delicately holds the white veil that will be placed upon the saint. In the upper center of the work, the dove of the Holy Spirit shines with its wings outstretched in a beam of golden light, surrounded by small heads of celestial cherubs floating among the clouds in the background. The technique is notable for its classical treatment of the faces, flowing drapery with pronounced folds, and soft lighting that emphasizes the solemnity of the mystical event.

Size: 139.2 X 102 cm; Size with frame: 161 x 122 cm

Provenance: Private collection in Granada.

Bibliography: José Luis Morales y Marín, *Painting in Spain 1750–1808*; Cátedra Editions, 1994, p. 350