Featuring objects associated with Saint Francis Xavier from the private collection of Frazer Andrade, Margão.
This Indo-Portuguese representation of St Francis Xavier is characterized by its composite structure, crafted from ebony and adorned with ivory elements, including the head, hands, feet, and decorative features of the pedestal. The remaining surfaces are embellished with white motifs, creating a lace-like effect. The stole is gilded and elegantly bordered with red pigment. Evidence of gold gilt can be seen along the edges of the cassock and on the ivory embellishments at the base. A pinhole intended for a halo is noticeable on the figure's head.
Period: 18th Century
In this illustration, Saint Francis Xavier is depicted in his customary garments, donning a surplice and a stole over a simple black cassock. The edges of both the cassock and surplice, as well as the borders of the stole, are adorned with gold paint, which has since oxidized. The tonsure associated with his order is clearly visible on his head.
Period: 18th Century
This illustration of Indo-Portuguese artistry depicts the Saint in his typical garb, which includes a black cassock, a surplice, and a stole. Evidence of gilding can be observed along the edges of his vestments. The tonsure associated with the order is apparent on his head. At the base, there is a rectangular nameplate positioned centrally, flanked by two horizontal grooves.
Period: Late 18th Century
This crab sculpture, crafted from Indian ivory, was originally part of a larger ensemble that included a depiction of Saint Francis Xavier, likely made from either ivory or wood. The crab is affixed to a three-tiered wooden pedestal, with each tier adorned with small, pearl-bordered rhombus motifs made of silver, secured to the pedestal with brass pins. The crab's two claws grasp a silver crucifix, seemingly offering it back to the Saint. At the top of the cross is a plaque inscribed with the Portuguese abbreviation J.N.R.J, which stands for ‘Jesus, o Nazareno Rei dos Judeus’. The English equivalent of this phrase is ‘Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews’. It is important to note that this Portuguese abbreviation is not widely recognized, as Latin serves as the universal language of the Catholic Church; the globally accepted abbreviation is INRI, which translates to ‘Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum’. Nevertheless, such Portuguese abbreviations may be encountered in former Portuguese colonies.
Period: 17th Century
This Indo-Portuguese polychrome gilded sculpture of Saint Francis Xavier is intricately carved from deer horn and depicts him in his traditional attire, which includes a surplice and stole draped over his cassock. The stole, along with the edges of the cassock and surplice, is adorned with gilding. A pinhole at the center of the head suggests that a halo, typically crafted from precious metals such as gold or silver, was once present. The tonsure associated with his order is also visible on the head. The sculpture is mounted on a circular wooden base featuring two horizontal grooves along its circumference. Above the feet, on the horn-carved pedestal situated just above the wooden base, there is a square nameplate with saw-toothed edges inscribed with the letters S.F.X, which represent ‘São Francis Xavier’. In traditional depictions, his left hand would have held a crucifix, while his right hand would have grasped a staff.
Period: 18th Century
The Archdiocese of Goa has produced commemorative items for each exposition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier. Among these is a circular medal created in 1952 during the display of the saint's relics. The front of the medal features a low-relief depiction of the saint, who is portrayed with his arms crossed over his chest. In his right hand, he holds a crucifix that extends toward his left side, while a staff is supported by his right arm. This representation of Saint Francis is derived from an oil painting on canvas located in the Casa Professa at the Basilica de Bom Jesus in Old Goa. Above the image of Saint Francis Xavier, the inscription reads ‘S. FRANCISCO XAVIER’. The reverse side of the medal depicts the body of Saint Francis resting on a stretcher, accompanied by the inscription ‘SOUVENIR’ beneath the relief.
Period: Mid-20th Century (1952)
An oval medal souvenir, produced in 1878, commemorates the third exhibition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier, which took place after 1782. The relief on the medal has become nearly imperceptible due to the effects of time and handling. On the front of the medal, there is a faint outline of Saint Francis, who is depicted holding a crucifix in his left hand while supporting a staff with his right arm. Subtle traces of the text can be discerned along the upper right side, reading ‘APOS..’.
Period: Late 19th Century (1878)
In this depiction, Saint Francis Xavier is illustrated with the edges of his surplice and the borders of the stole bearing traces of gilding. The upper part of the figure, above the waist, is crafted from cattle bone, while the cassock and the base are sculpted from wood. The tonsure associated with his order is discernible on his head. He is portrayed holding a pilgrim staff in his right hand. The base features a pinhole at the center along the front, which would have originally accommodated a decorative plaque or nameplate made of ivory or bone.
Period: 18th Century
The artifact presented here was created to commemorate the exposition of Saint Francis Xavier that took place in Goa in 1922. This item serves as a table decoration and would have originally included a back support. Crafted from a copper alloy, it employs the repousse technique. The piece features a circular medallion depicting the bust of Saint Francis Xavier, who is portrayed with his left arm holding a staff while his right arm rests on his chest, gazing to his right. Inscribed along the upper edge of the medallion is the Latin phrase, ‘SANCTE FRANCISCE XAVERI ORA PRO NOBIS,’ which means ‘Saint Francis Xavier, Pray for us.’ The lower section of the souvenir includes a plaque with the Portuguese inscription ‘EXPOSICÃO DE 1922,’ translating to ‘Exposition of 1922.’ This plaque is coated in a silver-colored metal, and remnants of this plating can also be observed on other parts of the souvenir.
Period: Early 20th Century (1922)