Lady Meherbai Tata

The only example of a commissioned portrait in this collection, the portrait of Lady Meherbai Tata was one of the most important works of Trindade’s career. This assignment attests to the painter’s artistic reputation and status among the cosmopolitan elite.
Depicted as an accessible and welcoming upper class Parsi, Sir Dorab Tata’s wife was also a notable figure during the World War I years. Her service to the war efforts, raising funds for women and education, working with the Red Cross were recognized and she was made Commander of the British Empire. A notable feminist, Lady Meherbai Tata was also crucial in passing the legislation that made child marriage illegal in India in 1929.
Though posed in a formal setting framed by baroque drapery, the impressive woman bestows a warm, friendly smile on the viewer. She bears a rust colour sheer sari with a narrow zari border with a contrasting blouse in Western style-long sleeves with cuffs, collar and tiny pearl buttons. Her pallu is held over her right shoulder with a gold pin with a single diamond in the middle. Around her neck she wears a short necklace of pearls and gold. A small chain holds a pendant in front which appears to be an insignia. Matching her necklace is a bracelet on her right arm. Her ears are bejewelled with long diamond earrings, and she carries a ring on her right hand also with diamonds. Finally, on her left side is a ribbon bow. The warm colours that dominate the palette and the visible brush strokes contribute to a warm, relaxed presentation.
This portrait by Trindade was commissioned a short while before Lady Tata went abroad for medical treatment, where she later passed away. Sir Dorab Tata also passed away one year later and since they did not have children this could be the reason why the painting remained unclaimed with the artist.
References: Shihandi, Marcella, et al, António Xavier Trindade: An Indian Painter from Portuguese Goa (exhibition catalogue), Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia, 1996; Tavares, Cristina Azevedo et al, António Xavier Trindade: Um Pintor de Goa (exhibition catalogue), Lisbon, Fundação Oriente, 2005; Gracias, Fátima, Faces of Colonial India: The Work of Goan Artist António Xavier Trindade (1870-1935), Panjim, Goa, Fundação Oriente, 2014.