A polychrome painted plaster devotional statue depicting Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (Saint Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus). The saint is rendered standing in the habit of the Discalced Carmelites—comprising a brown robe, beige mantle, white wimple, and black veil—cradling a rose-draped crucifix against her chest with a rosary suspended from her waist. The molded base features an incised French title across the front facet.

Condition Report & Provenance

• Subject / Sitter: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (Saint Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus)
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: hand-painted molded plaster (chalkware)
• Markings: incised on front of base "S.TE THERESE / DE L'ENFANT JESUS"
• Decorative Details: Carmelite habit, rosary at waist, holding a crucifix surrounded by red roses
• Colour & Surface: polychrome painted finish in matte brown, cream, black, and flesh tones
• Condition: small chips and paint losses exposing white plaster substrate around base edges, top of veil, robe, hands, and feet; light surface dust and wear consistent with age

History

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897), widely known as "The Little Flower," was canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, prompting a immense demand for devotional imagery depicting her. Plaster and chalkware statues of this type were produced in France for church and home altars throughout the 1920s to 1940s, illustrating her famous declaration that she would "let fall a shower of roses" from heaven.