The face of Saint Teresa of Ávila has been reconstructed and presented in Spain where the mystic is buried. The scientific recreation depicts Saint Teresa at approximately age 50, coinciding with an important period in her reformative work with the Carmelite Order.
The forensic reconstruction was directed by Professor Ruggero D’Anastasio of D’Annunzio University, Italy, with the expertise of forensic specialist Jennifer Mann from Australia’s Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. The process combined anthropomorphic data, historical records and radiographic imaging.
They also relied on historical portraits, particularly one painted by Friar Juan de la Miseria, and detailed descriptions by Mother Mary of St. Joseph, a close associate of Teresa.
The facial sculpture offers the most lifelike depiction of Teresa known to date. It was made possible following the Vatican’s recognition of Teresa’s tomb in August 2024.
The detailed anthropological analysis conducted alongside the reconstruction revealed extensive insights into St. Teresa’s health, including severe osteoporosis, dental decay and pronounced spinal curvature.
The reconstructed image and comprehensive scientific report have now been formally presented to the Order of Discalced Carmelites and will remain housed in Alba de Tormes, Spain.
Take a look below:
Editorial credit: Renata Sedmakova / Shutterstock.com
