Damián Muñoz (Chile, active towards the middle of 17th century)
The Transverberation of Saint Teresa, 1633
Oil on canvas
100×140 cm
This painting of the Transverberation of St. Teresa, dated 1633 and signed by Damián Muñoz, may relate to the saint's recent canonisation in 1622. Although we know little about Muñoz, active in Santiago de Chile, this is his only confirmed work. The painting portrays St. Teresa in ecstasy, awaiting the angel's spear, surrounded by angels and flowers. The scene mirrors descriptions from St. Teresa’s autobiography and follows earlier Flemish engravings by Anton II Wierix. Muñoz’s version differs by featuring the Holy Spirit instead of God the Father and a landscape rather than an architectural backdrop. His style shows influences from both the Cuzco school and Flemish art, indicating a blend of artistic traditions.