Is the title of the 240 pages book to which I’ve contributed with the article «Forgotten Altarpieces in Goan Churches», a book edited by Rinald D’Souza and Anthony da Silva and published by The Xavier Centre for Historical Research, Porvorim, 2023 (ISBN 9788195414505)
“The Jesuits, Goa and the Arts focuses on the artistic and cultural production of Jesuit-inspired art and architecture in Goa. Along with brilliant photography that brings to life the artistic milieu of the sixteenth-eighteenth century Jesuit presence in Goa, the contributions in the book draw on historical scholarship which highlight the varied contexts that shaped the Jesuits, Goa and the arts. The volume commemorates the twin jubilees of the canonization of Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) and Francis Xavier (1506-1552) who greatly influenced the global mission of the Society of Jesus.“
historiadomus
The complete roster of contributors to the book includes: Rinald D’Souza, who delves into “The Cultural Encounter of the Jesuits in Goa”; Délio Mendonça, exploring “Ignatius and Xavier as Influencers”; Cristina Osswald, discussing “The Jesuit Modo Goano”; Mónica Esteves Reis, shedding light on “Forgotten Altarpieces in Goan Churches”; Natasha Fernandes, offering insights into “Understanding Goa’s Christian Art through the Jesuit Collection at MoCA”; and Anthony da Silva, examining “Art as a Path to Interiority.”
The pre-launch of the book took place last October at the Xavier Center for Historical Research. During the event, Dr. Kelli Wood, U.S. Fulbright Scholar in India, provided a live review of the book from the perspective of an art historian, emphasizing the significance of the book’s content and contributions. The live review can be watched here.
The article “Forgotten Altarpieces in Goan Churches”
Reis, M. E. (2023). Forgotten Altarpieces in Goan Churches. In R. D’Souza, & A. da Silva (Eds.), The Jesuits, Goa and the Arts (pp. 132-159). Xavier Centre of Historical Research.
Upon receiving the invitation from the editors to contribute to the book, it became evident to me that my article would center around master altarpieces often overlooked in collective memory, yet profoundly significant in Goa’s history of altarpiece production under the patronage of the Jesuits.
This article seeks to reflect on the traditions and emotions of a post-colonial shared heritage, and to raise questions on how to reconcile these with the past while conserving the present. Goa’s pluralistic layers of heritage contribute but sometimes hinder the construction of identity of its shared heritage. Shared collective memories of cultural triumphs and tragedies can aid in the construction of a more robust post-colonial identity.
For the article, the high quality photographs by David de Souza, that patiently and skilfully followed my every direction, were paramount for comparison between past and present conservation, from my early fieldwork inventory.
Dr. Kelly Wood reviews my article at the minute 26, emphasizing several significant issues raised within it. Wood draws parallels between my concerns regarding conservation funding and standards and Italy’s restoration efforts, noting the contrast between well-funded projects in highly visited tourist destinations and the financial neglect faced by equally important sites in Italy.
Local newspapers featured headlines about the book launch, marking it as a joyful celebration. It was heartening to see that the people of Goa truly appreciated and valued the book. I’m going to provide a snippet of the local newspaper’s perspective on my article:
“‘Forgotten Altarpieces in Goan Churches’ by Mónica Esteves Reis, goes beyond the churches of Old Goa, to unearth altarpieces in Neurá, Portais, Azossim, Taleigão with “due consideration to its uniqueness, historicity and identity”. The author calls for the need to see art as a reflection of culture, religion and the artist’s own perception of Christian art. “The preservation of our shared Indo-Portuguese heritage requires an inclusive dialogue and cultural humility, free of agendas” is the earnest appeal of this writer.”
The Herald
“Mónica Reis’ work too has been fairly noticed in Goa, at least in circles related to Indo-Portuguese history and religious art. She says Catholic art in Goa churches need not be restricted to Old Goa alone. She (and the images) takes us to Neura, Azossim, Portais, Vaiguinim (earlier Cullavaiguinim) and Taleigão Batim, among others. What is amazing here is that her knowledge and David de Souza’s photographs give a totally new insight into understanding this religious art. It only underlines the view, which says, “What the mind does not know, the eyes does not see.” For sure, hundreds of years have gone by with most devotees (or even clergy) being quite unaware of the significance, relevance and importance of this art”
Frederick Noronha BriefNcounters
The book is available for sale locally and online. All interested may contact The Xavier Centre for Historical Research (XCHR), Porvorim
Mónica Esteves Reis 