Art by ‘Rembrandt of the East’ showcases 19th C Goan society

Panaji: During a time when people were inclined to repair items like umbrellas rather than purchase new ones, one Goan artist captured the process of a man going from house to house, mending the essential contraption. This detail, tucked into his broader narrative of Goan life, spoke volumes about the cultural practices of the late 1800s in Goa, where thrift and repair were prized over consumption.
Offering a glimpse into the culture, social structures, and daily lives of past generations, works of 19th century Goan artist, Antonio Xavier Trindade (1870-1935), known as the ‘Rembrandt of the East’, are displayed at Fundacao Oriente in Panaji, as part of Fatima Gracias’ and Paulo Gomes’ release, ‘Antonio Xavier Trindade: An Artist from Goa’.
“Trindade is celebrated for his eclectic style and ability to capture the essence of everyday life,” said Carlos Monjardino, chairman of the board of directors of Fundacao Oriente in Portugal. “His portrayals of rural women, religious figures, street scenes, and simple acts of life showcase a Goan society that was, in many ways, distinct from the rest of India. He was influenced by Goan society that was Portuguese at the time. He was the most important Goan artist ever.”
An alumnus of the prestigious J J School of Art in Bombay, Trindade depicted the very essence of Goa: Its people, their daily routines, their customs, and their spirituality. His depictions also showcase temples — Hindu, Buddhist, Jain — and Christian churches in Nashik, as well as his pilgrims, believed to be travelling to Pandharpur on foot in the early 1900s.
“In his portrayal of Goan landscapes and daily life, Trindade painted portraits of relatives and friends from Assonora, his ancestral village. He also captured life in Mahim, Mumbai, where Goans had settled,” said Gracias.
Beyond his family and friends, Trindade’s fascination with society extended to the lives of sadhus. “He painted them in great detail, offering an insight into their humble existence and practices, which was often overlooked by the mainstream. His works provide a glimpse into the lives of religious figures that might have otherwise remained obscure, showcasing their distinctive attire, facial expressions, and a serene way of life,” she said.