Infant Jesus Saviour of the World

This image of Infant Jesus Saviour of the World shows two independent styles– one purely European (the Infant) and the other Indo-Portuguese (the base) – that merge harmoniously. The Infant has European characteristics, which include its anatomical form and technical details such as the use of silver-plated tin and the flesh tints on the body. The image’s base comprises a globe on a silver-clad wood base supported on gored and flattened feet. The Goan goldsmith intervened on it using Indo-Portuguese ornamentation, i.e. adding local elements that are evident in the way he treats the serpent with overlapping scales wrapped around the sphere, and the water-leafed plant forms, shell designs and pointed lozenges. Nagas stand out on the already Indianized piece. The gold-embroidered velvet gown was made in India where the art of gold thread embroidery (zardozi) was practiced to a high degree of perfection.