Elderly woman with prayer beads
A religious lady from Konkan

attributed to A. X. Trindade (1870 – 1935)

circa 1910, Oil on canvas
40 x 30 in. (101.6 x 76.2 cm.)

This evocative portrait by A.X. Trindade portrays an elderly Indian woman with grace and dignity, seated in a composed, upright posture. Clasped in her hands is a japmala (rosary), symbolizing spiritual devotion and daily prayer. She wears a traditional saree in deep maroon and black hues, complemented by a red shawl draped over her shoulders. Adorned with a large nose ring, earrings, bangles, and layered necklaces, her appearance reflects both cultural richness and social stature, likely pointing to her role as a respected matriarch.

Her expression is serene yet firm, with a steady gaze and tightly set lips—signs of inner strength, wisdom, and experience. The background is deliberately sparse, ensuring that the viewer’s attention remains on her commanding presence. Stylistically, the painting draws from the academic realism championed by Raja Ravi Varma and his contemporaries, featuring careful attention to drapery, light, and anatomical accuracy.

A.X. Trindade, associated with the Sir J.J. School of Art in Bombay, was known for his fusion of British academic techniques with Indian subjects. Though less celebrated today, his portraits are rich in emotional and cultural nuance. This particular work stands as a moving tribute to feminine strength, tradition, and quiet authority.