Our Lady of the Lotus

Part of a series of more than a dozen Madonnas, Our Lady of the Lotus might have been one of the first painted by Ângela in Indian style. Together with Our Lady of the Flute (1948), these are the only two works circulars in design. The distinctive Indian features of both mother and son, with their almond eyes and black hair, are already noticeable and indicative of the inculturation process Ângela’s Christian work would display from the 1940’s onwards.
Following western conventions, the mother of God seats in the throne of Salomon or the seat of wisdom, with the Divine Child placed in her lap staring directly at the viewer. In his hand a lotus, symbol of purity and enlightenment, that he offers to anyone who is willing to carry it with care.
References: Gracias, Fátima, Ângela Trindade: A Trinity of Light, Colour and Emotion, Panjim, Goa, Fundação Oriente, 2016.