St. Francis Xavier
Description
St. Francis Xavier (1506-52 CE) reached Goa in 1542 and began adapting and recommending the Indian
ways of teaching catechism. In 1548 he is said to have issued instructions that children should be taught the lives of Christ and the saints through stories and enactments; in similar manner as the Hindu Puranas
so that they could inspired by the deeds of the saints.
The saint is depicted holding a ball of fire signifying his ardent zeal to spread knowledge
Collection
Indian Decorative Art
Object Type
Panel Painting Plaque
Material
Polychrome Wood
Schools/Culture/Period
Indo-Portuguese
Date
19th century CE
Location
Goa