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Primary sourcePhotograph15 April 1895

Portrait of Thérèse of Lisieux

15 April 1895

A photograph of Thérèse in her Carmelite habit, taken in the courtyard of the Lisieux monastery, the standard lifetime image of her.

This is the standard lifetime photographic likeness of Thérèse, taken inside her own convent.

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Black and white photograph of a young woman in a dark religious veil and white collar, with a calm, slight smile, looking toward the camera. Her face fills most of the frame.
Photograph of Thérèse of Lisieux, taken in the courtyard of the Carmel of Lisieux, Easter Monday, 15 April 1895.

About this source

What it is

This black and white photograph shows Thérèse of Lisieux wearing the dark veil and white collar of a Carmelite nun. It was taken in the courtyard of the monastery at Lisieux on Easter Monday, 15 April 1895, during her lifetime.

Why it matters

Because so few photographs of Thérèse exist, this image became the standard likeness used to represent her after her death and canonization. It shows the real young woman behind the later statues and holy cards, dressed in the plain habit of her religious order.

Look closer

  • What does her expression suggest about how she wanted to be seen?
  • Why do you think this particular photograph became the most widely used image of her?
  • How might a photograph taken for the community differ from one taken for the public?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Therese on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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