Denis McNamara of the Liturgical Institute says: "The reason this painting should be studied carefully is the expression of the saint herself. This is not the china-doll porcelain face of sentimental nineteenth-century holy cards. This is the look of one who contemplates the face of God. The gaze of the painting is not at the viewer, but beyond the viewer. Though we recognize her from her photographs, this is not a portrait but an icon in Western, three-dimensional style: perfected, divinized, with just enough of a "dry" gaze to know that her perceptions are not of the things of this world even as she has a hint of a smile. Masterful work indeed."
I was quite surprised to see this in the movie when watching it about 8 years ago...
In the vile film, “The Cider House Rules”, an orphaned baby who has been badly abused by an adopting couple is retrieved by the loving head of the orphanage whom is also an abortionist. Prominently shown over the crying baby’s crib is a picture of the Little Flower. I still can’t stomach anyone involved with that movie — even Michael Caine who I once admired.
In itself this a beautiful work of art but it’s not St. Therese’ face
Lovely.