Nativity by Gerard van Honthorst
My Isabel (Gracian's little sister) is getting better every day. When I go to recreation, which is not often, she sets aside her needlework and begins to sing: Mother Foundress Is coming to recreation; Let's all dance and sing And clap our hands in jubilation. But this is for a moment. Outside the time of recreation she remains in her hermitage so absorbed with the Infant Jesus, the shepherds, her work, and her thoughts (which she tells me about) that it is something to praise the Lord for. She sends her regards, and prays for you. (St Teresa, letter to Padre Gracian, Christmas, 1576)
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